Investigation of thermal values and strength properties of concrete sample created by evaluating disposable safety equipment in concrete

Following the COVID-19 pandemic that surrounded the world, it was realized that disposable materials (masks, gloves, etc.) should be recycled and re-entered the field of production. Based on this idea, the idea that not only disposable materials, which are medical waste, but also disposable materials used especially in the field of occupational safety, should be re-evaluated prompts scientists to conduct research on this subject. As it is known, construction activities cause a high amount of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions in our country and in the world. In some studies, in order to reduce the amount of CO2 released due to cement production used during construction activities, materials that improve the mechanical properties of concrete were placed in the concrete and measurements were made. In this study, by reducing the amount of aggregate used in concrete and screed at certain rates, the raw material of earplugs (Polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS)), which is one of the occupational safety equipment, was added instead of the reduced aggregate. The thermal conductivity values of the samples grouped as concrete samples and screed samples and the strengths of the concrete samples were measured. Aggregate was reduced by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% in 15x15x15 cm concrete molds, respectively, and 4 samples were obtained by adding the raw material of earplugs, which are disposable work safety equipment, instead. In addition, aggregate was reduced by 25%, 50% and 75% in 15x15x15 cm concrete molds, and 3 screed samples were obtained by using the raw material of earplugs instead. To compare the concrete and screed samples, one concrete and screed control sample was made. Thermal conductivity and strength measurements of concrete samples and thermal conductivity measurements of screed samples were carried out. When the concrete control and screed control samples are compared with the samples with different percentages; A decrease in the heat conduction coefficients of the materials was observed. In addition, in the strength tests performed on concrete samples, the compressive strength of the concrete control sample was measured as 50.75 N/mm², while the compressive strength of the sample with 20% aggregate replaced with earplugs was measured as 30.04 N/mm². In the calculations made using the thermal conductivity values of the samples obtained later in the study, a 2-storey building in which concrete and screed control sample was used was compared with a 2-storey building in which 20% aggregate was replaced with earplugs and 75% aggregate was replaced with earplug screed sample in terms of energy saving. . It was observed that approximately 288.03 MJ of heat energy was saved in the building where earplug-added materials were used. The heat saving amount of 288.03 MJ, corresponding to the 495 m³ gross volume of the calculated building, will increase in higher-rise and higher-volume buildings. In addition, it was observed that the measured strength value of the concrete sample, whose 20% aggregate was replaced with earplugs, corresponded to the C30 concrete class according to the values specified in the TS 500 Standard. This strength class is equivalent to the strength class of buildings constructed today. However, if we consider the thermal values and strength examined in this study as well as the purpose of use of the earplug, the use of earplug additive in the screed will provide insulation against the noise that may occur between floors and help provide a more comfortable living space. Based on the results obtained in this study, it has been determined that the use of earplugs in concrete and screed increases the thermal resistance in buildings in terms of thermal conductivity properties. This will provide significant energy savings, reducing our country's dependence on foreign energy and reducing carbon emissions. In addition, this study contributes to a sustainable environment by using disposable occupational safety materials in concrete and screed.