Ce travail de recherches se situe dans le cadre de l’ANR VBD2012-ECO-construction par le Recyclage du Béton (ECOREB). Il vise à lever certains verrous scientifiques afin de rendre possible l’utilisation des granulats issus de la démolition/déconstruction pour élaborer de nouveaux bétons pour le bâtiment. L’ANR ECOREB est en relation avec le PN RECYBETON. Les deux projets interagissent fortement.Cette étude a pour objectif d’évaluer la durabilité des bétons recyclés vis-à-vis du gel/dégel modéré sans sels de déverglaçage. Les bétons ont été élaborés en faisant varier : le taux d’incorporation des granulats recyclés (GR) l’état de saturation des gravillons tout en maintenant la même classe de consistance S4 et la classe de résistance de type C35/45. Un agent entraîneur d’air a été introduit afin d’obtenir des bétons conformes à l’EN 206-1 avec deux teneurs en air occlus 4% et 6%.Dans un premier temps, les propriétés physiques et mécaniques des granulats recyclés (GR) ont été étudiées et comparées à celles des granulats naturels (GN). Les GR manifestent une capacité d’absorption d’eau dix fois supérieure à celle des GN, une résistance mécanique deux fois inférieure et une résistance au gel deux fois inférieure. Cependant ils sont classés non gélifs de catégorie Fdéclaré.. Les faibles propriétés des GR comparées à celles des GN s’expliquent par la présence de l’ancienne pâte de ciment qui entoure les grains originaux et qui est caractérisée par une forte porosité et par un fort réseau de fissures connecté créé lors du concassage du béton parent.Les propriétés physiques (porosité et coefficient d’absorption d’eau) de transfert (conductivité thermique, résistivité électrique et perméabilité) et mécaniques sont fortement impactées par l’incorporation des granulats recyclés de part l’augmentation de la porosité capillaire essentiellement et du réseau des fissures présentes dans les gravillons recyclés. Les relations établies entre les propriétés mécaniques et les propriétés physiques et de transfert ont été établies. L’applicabilité des Euro codes égalementLes formulations avec un taux d’air occlus de 4% sont de classe C30/37 pour tous les taux d’incorporations alors qu’une diminution notable des résistances mécaniques à la compression est observée pour un taux d’air occlus de 6% : le béton de référence devient de classe C16/20. L’incorporation des GR affecte la résistance au gel/dégel des bétons. En utilisant les indicateurs préconisés par la norme NFP 424, le béton sans agent entraineur d’air atteint les critères recommandés au 75ème cycle lorsqu’il est élaboré avec 100% de GR et au 125ème cycle quand seuls les GN sont utilisés. L’entraineur d’air améliore la tenue au gel des bétons. Nous remarquons que les bétons C35/45 30R-30R (30% en volume d’incorporation) avec 4% d’air entrainé présentent le comportement ressemblant à celui du béton référence et respecte les critères de la résistance préconisé par la norme NF P 18-424 et l’EN 206-1.Ce travail a permis également de mettre en place d’autre indicateurs performantielles pour estimer la résistance au gel/dégel des bétons à granulats recyclés. / Development in many sectors has negative environmental effects. In construction sector, there are millions of tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW) every year. This CDW has a significant damage on the environment and may endanger its sustainability. To find a conceivable solution for CDW and to preserve the natural resources, particularly the non-renewable ones, worldwide researches on recycled aggregates have been increased in order to investigate their revalorization possibilities in concretes.As many developed countries, France also has introduced legislations and strategies to reduce the environmental effects of CDW. Corresponding to problem of CDW, there are two national project called PN-RECYBETON and ANR VBD2012-ECOREB that deal with how to provide concretes for building field using aggregates provided from CDW.This work aims to determine the durability of recycled aggregate concrete by freeze/thaw cycles. Four types of concrete were prepared by varying the replacement ratio of natural aggregates (NA) by recycled one (RA). The volumetric substitutions rates are respectively 0%, 33%, 55% and 100%, while the concretes mix design were adjusted in order to achieve the same consistency class of S4. Furthermore, we also studied the durability of these concretes varying the air content through an air entraining agent.After characterization of physical and mechanical properties of NA and RA, we found that the water absorption capacity of RA is 10 times greater than that of NA due to a low density. Moreover, the RA presents poor mechanical résistance by LA, MDE and freezing action.These poor performances of RA can be explained by the existence of pores and crack in old cement paste that provided during production process. The microstructure of RA was analyzed by SEM.Regarding to the influence of RA in mix design, with total substitution the density of hardened decrease 17% while the porosity become two times greater than those of natural concrete.In addition, the mechanical properties of studied concretes mix design decreases through the incorporation of RA. Regarding to the transfer properties, the gas permeability of the concrete 100% substitution is 2 times higher than that of reference one. On the other hand, the electric resistivity decreases with increasing of RA content.The Air-Entraining agent has a significant effect on the compressive and the splitting tensile strengths. It is observed that with 6% of air content the mentioned mechanical properties decrease drastically (a diminution higher than 50%). The increase of RAC content in the mixtures decreases their freezing/thawing resistance.The introduction of Air-Entraining agent improves the freezing/thawing resistance of concrete. The air-entrained concrete with 50% and 100% of RA present the poor performance than that of reference concrete via the studied durability indicators. Moreover, the air-entrained concrete C35/45 30R-30R with 4% and 6% of air content show the similar performance as air-entrained control concrete.

Crossing the Cartography of Exile explores ideas of territoriality, hybrid identity and transculturation. The thesis and exhibition is the result of two years of Practice-Led Research, which is the performative research methodology, carried in the La Chapelle Woodshop of the 100 Laurier Avenue East Building of the Department of Visual Arts. The building was the former Juniorat du Sacré-Coeur of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate built in 1893-94. The Woodshop is the former chapel of the seminary therefore has references to a place of prayer and worship and for my praxis became a place to re-enact the ancient trade of Joseph the Carpenter. The La Chapelle Shipyard inside the woodshop as mnemonic site became a performative site-specific platform specialized in creating small-scale sculptures with recycled and repourposed shipping pallets and a place in which to connect memory with the ancient trade of a shipwright or shipbuilder. Small-scale sculpture then became a symbolic marker for the intimacy of a personal and free territory made of repurposed shipping pallets. Therefore, by working with recycled changeable materials I fashioned a poetic visual language to enchant the wound of exile.

The development of lightweight concretes has made a contribution to advances in structural design. It would be useful to further improve the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete formulations whilst enhancing their resistance to fire degradation and reduced thermal conductivity. Improving the sustainability of any new proposed lightweight concrete formulation is desirable, for example by the inclusion of waste stream components into the formulation.This thesis describes an investigation of the mechanical, thermal and fire resistance properties of a new type of expanded clay lightweight concrete formulation in which varying quantities of sand are replaced by crushed glass aggregate, in conjunction with the addition of metakaolin (which may be available as a waste component from the manufacture of paper) as a partial replacement for the cement. The investigation involved short and long-term laboratory testing of a range of mechanical and thermal properties of individual concrete formulations and small scale structural elements consisting of masonry blocks made from these formulations (so called wallettes). An extensive programme of Finite Element Analysis using Abaqus was also performed.The results obtained show that it is possible to produce a structural expanded clay lightweight concrete that possesses good thermal properties by incorporating of ground glass and metakaolin. Compressive and splitting tensile strengths, as well as the modulus of elasticity, increased with an increase in the metakaolin content, while concrete density decreased. Reductions in thermal conductivity and improvements in fire resistance criteria were also observed in comparison with conventional lightweight concrete mixtures. For example, measured thermal conductivity values ranged from 0.092 W/m.K to 0.177 W/m.K, and the insulation criterion (an indicator of resistance to fire) reached up to 110 minutes for a concrete member with a thickness of 29 mm. The highest resistance to the effects of high temperatures was observed for concrete mixes containing either 15% or 30% recycled glass with 10% metakaolin.The maximum axial loads at failure were 474 kN and 558 kN for reference and modified wallettes respectively, implying corresponding bearing capacities of 7.1 MPa and 8.3 MPa. The critical path of the failure mode was similar for all of the wallettes tested and normally began underneath the load point, then passed through the concrete blocks and head joint to reach the toe of the wallette. The masonry wallettes formulated using reference lightweight concrete blocks exhibited failure due to explosive spalling at 400 oC with no applied mechanical load, whereas the second type of masonry wallettes (the modified wallettes) did not show such behaviour.The results of Finite Element Analysis showed that the coefficient of thermal convection had the most influence upon the insulation criterion. From a structural perspective, the key parameters were the value of penalty stiffness and imperfections in wallette construction. In general, a close agreement between the measured and simulated results was observed for both the thermal and structural finite element models at ambient and high temperatures.

É crescente o interesse e a necessidade de substituição de materiais preparados a partir de matéria-prima obtida de fontes fósseis, por materiais oriundos de fontes renováveis, como os compósitos poliméricos reforçados com fibras naturais. Adicionalmente, é acelerada a geração de descarte de embalagens plásticas no país, comparativamente à reciclagem de materiais. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho consistiu na busca pelo aprimoramento de processos de preparação de compósitos baseados em poli (tereftalato de etileno) reciclado (PET reciclado) e fibras de sisal. As fibras de sisal foram caracterizadas segundo o teor de componentes químicos majoritários, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), análise térmica (calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e termogravimetria (TG)) e espectroscopia na região do infravermelho (IV). O PET reciclado foi caracterizado por DSC, TG, IV e determinação do índice de fluidez. Inicialmente, compósitos de PET reciclado/fibras de sisal foram processados via reometria de torque, com posterior termoprensagem, à temperatura de 260ºC, porém foi observada a decomposição térmica das fibras, ou seja, o recobrimento pela matriz não retardou a decomposição das fibras. Consequentemente, visando uma diminuição da temperatura de fusão do PET reciclado (~265ºC), a fim de evitar a decomposição térmica das fibras durante o processamento, os plasticizantes acetil tributil citrato (ATBC), tributil citrato (TBC), glicerol, óleo de mamona (OM) e óleo de soja epoxidado (OSE) foram acrescentados às formulações dos compósitos. Adicionalmente, polibutadieno hidroxilado líquido (PBHL) foi acrescentado à formulação do material, visando avaliar sua ação como agente compatibilizante/de acoplamento na interface fibra-matriz. Destaca-se que estes plasticizantes foram escolhidos por serem oriundos de fontes renováveis, assim como por possuírem grupos nas respectivas estruturas com afinidade tanto por grupos presentes nos componentes da fibra como na matriz. Desta forma a possível ação dos mesmos como compatibilizantes também foi considerada. Os plasticizantes foram caracterizados por DSC, TG e IV. A exploração de parâmetros de processamento, usando plasticizantes, foi feita misturando os componentes usando pás rotativas, seguido de moldagem por compressão. A composição da mistura e parâmetros de processamento, que levaram ao melhor conjunto de resultados, foi considerada para processamento via reometria de torque/termoprensagem. Os compósitos foram caracterizados por MEV, DSC, TG, absorção de água, e com relação às suas propriedades mecânicas por análise térmica dinâmico-mecânica (DMTA), e ensaios de resistência ao impacto e à flexão. Analisando-se os resultados obtidos, observa-se que, com relação aos diferentes processamentos dos compósitos, a moldagem por compressão foi mais adequada para a preparação dos compósitos de PET reciclado/fibras de sisal, principalmente em relação ao superior desempenho mecânico apresentado por estes materiais, em comparação aos compósitos processados por reometria de torque e posterior termoprensagem. O PET reciclado não reforçado, dentre as propriedades mecânicas apresentadas, não apresentou boa resistência ao impacto, assim como os compósitos preparados a partir dele, ou seja, a propriedade do PET reciclado foi predominante nos compósitos. No entanto, o uso de plasticizantes viabilizou não só o processamento dos compósitos à menor temperatura, assim como aumentou a molhabilidade da fibra pelo polímero, por diminuir a viscosidade da mistura. Ainda, no geral, as micrografias das superfícies de fratura dos compósitos demonstraram uma boa adesão na interface fibra-matriz, indicando atuação dos plasticizantes também como compatibilizantes entre fibra e matriz. Destaca-se que, no geral, os resultados de resistência à flexão e DMTA apontaram no sentido de que a presença das fibras e plasticizantes levaram a materiais menos rígidos e mais flexíveis. Dentre os compósitos, pode-se considerar que a mistura PET reciclado/fibras de sisal/glicerol/ TBC apresentou o melhor desempenho mecânico, que levou, no geral, ao melhor resultado de resistência ao impacto, boa resistência à flexão e deformação na ruptura. O compósito de PET reciclado/fibras de sisal, contendo em sua composição somente o plasticizante TBC, também apresentou um bom desempenho frente aos demais compósitos, com o melhor resultado de resistência à flexão, maior módulo de armazenamento e baixo teor de água absorvida. Assim, como pretendido, viabilizou-se o preparo de compósitos de PET reciclado/fibras de sisal, com a adição de diferentes tipos e misturas de plasticizantes, avaliando-se não somente a influência destes, assim como parâmetros de processo, uso de diferentes tipos de processamento e propriedades finais dos materiais gerados. / There is an increasing interest and need for the replacement of materials prepared from raw material obtained from fossil sources by those from renewable sources, such as polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibers. Additionally, the generation of plastic packaging disposal is accelerated in the country compared to materials recycling. In this context, the focus of this investigation was on the search for developing processes for the preparation of composites based on recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (recycled PET) and sisal fibers. The sisal fibers were characterized according to the content of major chemical components by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG)) and by infrared spectroscopy (IR). The recycled PET was characterized by DSC, TG, IV and melt index determination. Initially, composites of recycled PET/sisal fibers were processed in a Haake torque rheometer with subsequent thermopressing, at 260ºC, but this method proved to be inefficient, since fiber decomposition was observed, i.e., the decomposition of the fibers was not delayed by the matrix coating. Consequently, by aiming at obtaining a decrease of the melting temperature of the recycled PET (~ 265ºC) in order to avoid thermal decomposition of the fibers during processing, the plasticizers, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), tributyl citrate (TBC), glycerol, castor oil (CO) and epoxidized soybean oil (OSE) were added to the formulations of the composites. In addition, hydroxylated liquid polybutadiene (PBHL) was added to the formulation of the material to evaluate its action as a compatibilizer/coupling agent in the fiber-matrix interface. It is emphasized that these plasticizers were chosen because they come from renewable sources, as well as having groups in the respective structures with affinity for both groups present in components of the fiber and the matrix. Thus the possible action of plasticizers as compatibilizers was also considered. The plasticizers were characterized by DSC, TG and IV. The exploitation of processing parameters using plasticizers was made by mixing the components using shovels, followed by compression molding. The composition of the mixture and the processing parameters, which led to the best set of results, were considered for processing via torque rheometry/thermopressing. The composites were characterized by SEM, DSC, TG, water absorption, and regarding their mechanical properties, by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and impact and flexural strength. Analyzing the results, it is observed that when it comes to different processes of composites, compression molding was the most suitable for the preparation of the composites of recycled PET/sisal fibers, especially in relation to the superior mechanical performance presented by these materials compared to composites processed by torque rheometry and subsequent thermopressing. The non-reinforced recycled PET, among the mechanical properties shown, did not show a good impact strength, nor did the composites prepared from it, i.e., the property of recycled PET in the composites was predominant. However, not only did the use of plasticizers allow the processing of the composites at a lower temperature, but also it increased the wettability of the polymer-fiber by reducing the viscosity of the mixture. Still, in general, the SEM images of fractured surfaces of the composites showed a good adhesion between fiber-matrices, indicating activity of plasticizers and also compatibilizers between fiber and matrix. It is noteworthy that, in general, the results of flexural strength and DMTA pointed out that the presence of plasticizers led to less rigid and more flexible materials. Among the composites, it can be assumed that the mixture recycled PET/sisal fibers/glycerol/TBC presented the best mechanical performance, which in general led to the best result of impact strength, good flexural strength and fracture strain. The composite of recycled PET/sisal fibers in its composition, containing only the TBC plasticizer, also performed well compared to other composites, with the best result of flexural strength, higher storage modulus and low moisture absorption. Thus, as desired, the preparation of composites based on recycled PET/sisal fibers with the addition of different types and mixtures of plasticizers was enabled, evaluating not only their influence but also process parameters, the use of different types of processing and the final properties of the generated materials.

El presente trabajo de investigación para optar el título en Ingeniería Civil, con énfasis en la rama de construcción, tuvo como finalidad evaluar y comparar el comportamiento del concreto con diferentes proporciones de sustitución de agregado grueso natural (AN) por agregados de concreto reciclado (ACR) con el fin obtener un diseño de concreto que permita la disminucion y uso de agregados naturales, y asi disminuir la depredacion de canteras. El comportamiento se evaluó mediante el análisis de las propiedades mecánicas y durabilidad de los tipos de mezclas realizados con el objetivo de obtener una proporción de sustitución óptima de AN por ACR para que las propiedades se encuentren dentro de los parámetros que indican las normas. Por otro lado, se realizó un modelo de una estructura aporticada para hacer una Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental mediante el uso de la metodología Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) en el programa Athena y, posteriormente, se comparó los resultados obtenidos en dicho programa. / The present research work to choose the degree in Civil Engineering, with emphasis in the construction branch, had the purpose of evaluating and comparing the behavior of concrete with different proportions of substitution of natural coarse aggregate (AN) by aggregates of recycled concrete (ACR ) in order to obtain a concrete design that allows the reduction and use of natural aggregates, and thus reduce the depredation of quarries. The behavior was evaluated by analyzing the mechanical properties and durability of the types of mixtures made with the objective of obtaining an optimal substitution ratio of AN by ACR so that the properties are within the parameters indicated by the standards. On the other hand, a model of a contributed structure was made to make an Environmental Impact Assessment by using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in the Athena program and, subsequently, the results obtained in said program were compared. / Tesis

abstract: This research focused on the structure-property relationships of a rejuvenator to understand the comprehensive rejuvenation mechanism of aged asphalt binder. Aged asphalt such as recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) contain various amounts of asphalt binder. However, the asphalt binder in RAS and RAP is severely aged and inferior in properties compared to a virgin binder. To address this issue, liquid additives have been used under the general title of rejuvenators. That poses an additional challenge associated with the lack of clear metrics to differentiate between softeners and rejuvenators. Therefore, there is a need for a thorough study of rejuvenators. In this study, diverse-sourced rejuvenators have been used in RAS and RAP-modified binders as well as laboratory-prepared aged binders. The properties of the rejuvenated aged binder were characterized at a macro-level and molecular level. The study showed that the performance of the RAS-modified binder was significantly improved after bio-modification by a bio-rejuvenator. This study further evaluated laboratory-prepared aged asphalt rejuvenated with different rejuvenators. The results found that oxidized bitumen became soft after adding rejuvenators, regardless of their source. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the effective rejuvenator restored the molecular conformation and reduced the size of asphaltene nanoaggregates. The study results showed that due to the specific chemical composition of certain rejuvenators, they may negatively impact the durability of the mixture, especially about its resistance to moisture damage and aging. Computational analysis showed that while the restoration capacity of rejuvenators is related to their penetration into and peptizing of asphaltene nanoaggregates, the durability of the restored aged asphalt is mainly related to the polarizability values of the rejuvenator. Rejuvenators with lower polarizability showed better resistance to aging and moisture damage. In summary, this study develops the rheology-based indicators which relate to the molecular level phenomenon in the rejuvenation mechanism. The rheology-based indicators, for instance, crossover modulus and crossover frequency differentiated the rejuvenators from recycling agents. Moreover, the study found that rejuvenation efficiency and durability are depended on the chemistry of rejuvenators. Finally, based on the learning of chemistry, a chemically balanced rejuvenator is synthesized with superior rejuvenation properties. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2020

En la actualidad las cantidades de residuos han incrementado con el pasar de los años, convirtiéndose en una amenaza grave para el medio ambiente. Esto ha generado que reciba mayor atención por las autoridades e investigadores a nivel global, proponiendo usos respetuosos con el medio ambiente de estos residuos, los cuales han ido desarrollando y mejorando en los últimos años. Este estudio profundiza en el posible uso del residuo de vidrio plano como una solución sostenible, al ser adicionados en el concreto. Para esto, se hicieron diseños de mezcla con diferentes cantidades de vidrio pulverizado y se realizaron comparaciones para identificar el efecto en las propiedades del concreto mediante ensayos de asentamiento, resistencia a la compresión y resistencia a la compresión en condiciones de ataque por sulfatos. Los resultados muestran que, para dichas pruebas, la adición de vidrio pulverizado favorece a las características de sus propiedades, presentando además un ahorro económico. / At present the amounts of waste have increased over the years, turning into a serious threat to the environment. This has generated greater attention by authorities and researchers around the world, proposing environmentally friendly uses of these residues, which have been developing and improving in recent years. This study delves into the possible use of pulverized flat glass waste as a sustainable solution, when added to concrete. For this, mixing designs were made with different amounts of glass powder and comparisons were made to identify the effect on the properties of the concrete by slump tests, compressive strength and compressive strength in sulfate attack conditions. The results show that for these tests, the addition of glass powder favors the characteristics of its properties, while presenting an economic saving. / Tesis

El presente proyecto muestra la viabilidad de la ejecución del negocio de línea de útiles ecoamigables Muru, en base a la investigación realizada en Lima Metropolitana a ciudadanos de los niveles socioeconómicos A y B. Esta investigación permitió detectar que existe un segmento de consumidores que buscan poder adquirir útiles ecoamigables, hechos de materiales reciclados o que tengan un impacto negativo reducido en el medio ambiente, los cuales no encuentran con facilidad pues suelen ser vendidos al por mayor a clientes corporativos. Con el fin de que este proyecto se ponga en marcha el siguiente año (2020), se procuró analizar la industria a detalle, considerando las tendencias clave, las fuerzas de mercado, las fuerzas macroeconómicas, entre otras. Además, para lograr tener una mejor y más estructurada planificación, se desarrolló la estructura de la empresa, dividida de la siguiente forma: Plan de Marketing, Plan Financiero, Plan de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, Plan de Recursos Humanos y Plan de Operaciones. Dentro de cada uno de ellos se contemplan las estrategias, actividades y recursos necesarios para que este proyecto sea viable cuando inicie sus operaciones. Se tuvo especial énfasis en el desarrollo del Plan Financiero para que las proyecciones contempladas en este sean lo más acertadas posible. Como resultado de lo mencionado, se obtuvo que para que el proyecto inicie su etapa operativa se necesita una inversión de 31,000 soles. Asimismo, luego de la inversión, las utilidades netas proyectadas son de 35,696.77; 93,400.48 y 136,959.96 soles para el primer, segundo y tercer año respectivamente. / The present project shows the viability of the execution of the Muru eco-friendly tool line business, based on the research carried out in Metropolitan Lima to the NSE "A" and "B" citizens. This investigation made it possible to detect that there is a segment of consumers who are looking to purchase eco-friendly tools, whether they are made from recycled materials or have a reduced impact on the environment, which consumers do not find easily because those are usually sold to corporate customers. In order to launch this project the next year (2020), it was attempted to analyze the industry in detail considering the key trends, market forces, macroeconomic forces, among others. In addition, in order to achieve a better and more structured planning, the company structure was developed, divided as follows: Marketing Plan, Financial Plan, Corporate Social Responsibility Plan, Human Resources Plan and the Operations Plan. Within each of the plans, the strategies, activities and resources that are needed for this project to be viable when in runs into operation are contemplated. Special emphasis was placed on the development of the Financial Plan so that its projections are as accurate as possible. As a result of the aforementioned, it was obtained that for the project to begin its operational phase an investment of 31,000 soles is needed. Also, after the investment, the projected net profits are 35,696.77; 93,400.48 and 136,959.96 soles for the first, second and third year respectively. / Trabajo de investigación

In the last three decades, the increased use of plastics is rapidly becoming a global environmental issue, resulting in growing landfills and pollution of air and water. The automotive industry, as a major demander of plastic materials, is starting to take responsibility with promised sustainability actions. One action relates to the concept of circular economy and closed loop thinking through the implementation of recycled plastics. However, the barriers of such implementations are still undiscovered, with research missing out on the challenges of strategic and business perspectives. The aim of this thesis is to asses and understand the challenges connected to implementing recycled plastics in the automotive industry, and to provide strategic recommendations. In order to identify the challenges, an empirical case study was carried out collecting data through 10 interviews with suppliers throughout the plastics refining chain. A cost calculation was also included, to highlight the economic potentials of recycled plastics. The findings address 6 themes as barriers for implementing recycled plastics in the automotive industry: economic, organizational, infrastructural, interactional, design and technical barriers. The barriers shed light on the challenges connected to the implementation of recycled plastics and concludes that the rate of recycled plastics in a car can be increased, which also increases sustainability and circular thinking. However, the rates could be further improved if managers were to consider the existing barriers when implementing higher rates of recycled plastics in their components.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / This study aimed to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggre-gate concrete with a ternary binder system and optimized mix proportion. Two concretebatches were developed using a densified mix design approach (DMDA) to evaluate therequired mix proportions. Batch I have GGBS content varied at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and50% at constant w/b ratio of 0.45, while batch II concrete mix have varied water/binder ratios:0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.5 at constant GGBS replacement level of 30%. The fine aggregate(river sand) of the two batches was blended with fly ash at optimum loose packing density(FA + Sand) and superplasticizer (SP) was incorporated in the mix at a constant level of 1.4%.A control mix comprising of natural aggregate was also developed. The results obtainedshowcased the feasibility of producing structural concrete with recycled aggregates usingGGBS and fly ash. The mechanical and durability properties were best at 30% GGBS contentand 0.35 water/binder ratio. The DMDA for mix proportion adopted for RAC contributed sig-nificantly to improving its properties when compared to NAC, especially at the optimumobserved RAC mix with compressive strength of 52 MPa. Also, the mix demonstrated goodpermeability resistance in terms of chloride-ion ingress and capillary water absorption.