SOTO, INDARA IZQUIERDO1; RAMALHO, MARCIO ANTONIO2; BENEDETTI, ANDREA3

1) PhD Student, EESC – University of São Paulo, Department of Structural Engineering, indara@sc.usp.br

2) PhD Professor, EESC – University of São Paulo, Department of Structural Engineering, ramalho@usp.br

3 PhD Professor, University of Bologna, andrea.benedetti@unibo.it

Recently, masonry building has shown a significant growth in Brazil. Effective use of alternative materials, such as residual powder from organic waste and sisal fiber, in the manufacturing of concrete blocks will be efficient, objective and economically viable. Moreover, the use of organic waste as a raw material for the construction industry will mitigate the impact of problems related to public health and the environment. The use of the fiber will represent an important support to underserved regions that are economically dependent on the production and processing of this material. The present study aims to evaluate the incorporation of residual powder obtained from organic waste and sisal fibers in the manufacturing of concrete blocks. Cylinder specimens (5 cm x 10 cm) were produced to evaluate the feasibility of replacing cement with waste powder in the 5%, 10%, and 15% levels in concrete. We also analyzed the incorporation of sisal fibers of length 20 mm in the volumetric fraction of 1% in concrete blocks. Test results indicate that the powder does not present caking properties. Nevertheless, it can act as filler in concrete, thereby, filling the voids, decreasing the porosity, achieving a smooth texture, and improving the aesthetic appearance. The fibers cause greater energy absorption in the blocks, give a certain capacity to absorb load after cracking in concrete, and contribute to the increase in toughness and ductility.

Keywords: Recycle, organic waste, sisal fiber, concrete blocks, mechanical performance