Research into Demolished Concrete

For use in ceramics studios

“Demolished concrete, collected as debris and rubble from construction and demolition sites, is found in abundance across urban environments. The physical characteristics of demolished concrete—irregular sizes, heavy weight, and logistical challenges—often lead to its downcycling. It is typically crushed into Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and used as road base material, effectively ending its recycling journey.

While some studies explore the incorporation of demolished concrete in fired bricks, ceramic tiles, or composite construction materials, its application in ceramics studios remains underdeveloped. Anecdotal accounts suggest concrete should be avoided in studio practices due to issues like “lime pop-outs,” which compromise traditional ceramic surfaces.”

Read the full submission to Future Materials Bank here