NORM (Naturally Ocurring Radioactive Materials) wastes in the preparation of cements and concretes

CMSS 2021: International Congress on Materials & Structural Stability Eco-Friendly Sustainable and Energy Efficient Materials & Constructions. 3rd International Congress on Materials & Structural Stability Abstract Proceedings Editors Abdeljebbar Diouri Mohammed Sonebi Mohamed Saadi Nacer Khachani Hassan Ait Ahsaine Rabat, Morocco, 24-26 November 2021Reaching a more sustainable construction implies less consumption of energy, water and natural resources and also that ways are sought to recycle, recover and reuse the different wastes in the preparation of building materials. These actions are directly included in the UN Sustainable Objectives (OS) of the 2030 AGENDA and in the policies established by the EU related to the Circular Economy, in the that seeks to turn waste into profitable and usable resources. Much of theses wastes used to manufacture cement and concrete is drawn from NORM (Naturally Ocurring Radioactive Materials) industries. This waste can be valorised both as mineral additions to partially replace clinker in portland cement manufacture and as additions and aggregate in mortars and concretes. NORM waste is of particular significance in the preparation of alkaline cements or geopolymers, where it is the main binder in the resulting cement and concrete. The effect of such waste must be established not only in connection with the characteristics and properties of the end construction products but also with possible emissions attributable to its natural radioactivity and their interaction with the environment. The ultimate aim is to obtain construction materials (essentially cement, mortar and concrete) with the highest possible proportion of waste, excellent chemical, physical and mechanical properties and optimal durability. At the same time, the use of such by-products should not alter industrial processes, generate new waste or interact adversely with the environment or with peopl