Wine industrial waste in cementitious materials: the valorization of residual diatomaceous earth

[EN] This work analyzes the possible reuse of waste diatomaceous earth (diatomite) from the wine industry in the construction industry, mixing it with Portland cement to reduce the amount of clinker and thus promote sustainable construction in line with the objectives of the circular economy. The results of pH and electrical conductivity measurements suggest that residual diatomaceous earth has a low pozzolanic reactivity due to the presence of organic matter. However, calcination of this material improves pozzolanic reactivity. In addition, it has been shown that using up to 10% of this waste in manufacturing mortars improves their compressive strength compared to control mortars. The present study reveals that the waste generated by the wine industry, which is currently not used, could be recycled in construction industry activities.