Solutions upgrading
The way to concrete with recycled content is open in Quebec for the construction of buildings The use of aggregates from old bridges to make new homes is gaining popularity around the world. But Quebec is slow to follow suit. According to Benjamin Zizi, LEED evaluator, although the globally recognized environmental certification awards points for the use of recycled aggregate since its V4 version, this practice is not done : “No one takes recycled concrete. I have never certified a project in Quebec that had used it”. récupération de béton Yet the benefits of concrete with recycled content are numerous : reduced energy consumption, reduced costs, diversion of waste from landfills… In Zurich alone, this approach has led to the diversion of no less than 17 000 m 3 of materials (and saved as much virgin material). A barrier to more widespread use of recycled concrete is the lack of demand, or demand. Some architects, planners and engineers are not convinced yet, and think that it requires more effort in the construction process, or that there are possible structural problems. Similarly, no regulations require the use of recycled concrete in the construction of buildings in Quebec. To find out more, we contacted the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) and the Association Béton Québec (ABQ). No one seemed to have any information on the subject. We finally got some answers at Recyc-Québec, from Nicolas Bellerose, Research and Planning Officer: “ Unfortunately, we do not have specific data or reports on concrete recycling , but according to our recent information, the he use of concrete residues that pass through a CRD sorting center is made either for road infrastructures, various facilities or sent to a disposal site for various uses (eg site infrastructure). The use in the building would be practically absent. That said, perhaps it is still done for in situ projects, but we do not currently have the means to measure it”. Our contact at Recyc-Québec adds that the information also alerted them to the phenomenon of accumulation of concrete residues . Often, due to lack of demand (or requirement), concrete residues are taken from several work sites to be accumulated elsewhere. Once again, the quantification of this deposit is difficult, the traceability of all this material is sometimes difficult. “This issue remains on our radar and we are trying to find a way to recirculate more concrete residues. We are currently working with the BNQ and other partners on the revision of the standard on recycled aggregates (BNQ 2560-600). This work should make it possible to better understand the dynamics of the sector and stimulate the use of standards to increase demand”, concludes Nicolas Bellerose.