The works carried out during the HISER project have showed that electro-fragmentation technology is effective for selective crushing of concrete waste and brick-based waste. Tests on steel fibers reinforced concrete are in progress.

The selective fragmentation of CDW is crucial for the implementation of an efficient recycling system since it allows producing fractions of higher quality which favors their use and valorization.
In HISER, BRGM and SELFRAG are investigating the electro-fragmentation as a potential breakthrough technology for liberating particles from the CDW. Tests have been performed on a batch and a continuous mode on several types of CDW: concrete waste, waste made with brick with attached mortar and gypsum, and steel fibers reinforced concrete. The results obtained so far showed that the electro-fragmentation technology is effective for the selective fragmentation of concrete waste and brick-based waste.
The works are now focusing on the steel fibers reinforced concrete. First results obtained with the batch and continuous tests are promising regarding the liberation of the steel fibers. However, more works have still to be done to optimize the operating parameters. This will be performed in the next months.

Steel fibers reinforced concrete before treatment		Steel fibers reinforced concrete after treatment