Author
FRANZOY, M.; GORDO, J.; CITRONI, J.; AVENDAÑO, M.; MARCIPAR, A.; GRETHER, R.
Universidad Tecnológica Nacional F.R. Santa Fe

Abstract
In Argentina, the application of ceramic brick masonry of 0.15 m thickness as exterior walls in housing is a widespread technique, but it is insufficient to achieve suitable thermal insulation for housing. In order to solve this problem, lightweight ceramic bricks were developed by means of the incorporation of macroscopic pores in the mass of the brick produced by solid wastes that are consumed during the baking. Consequently, density diminishes, increasing the thermal insulation capability without significant reductions of compressive strength. According to Argentine regulations, compressive strength of traditional and lightweight ceramic bricks and bearing capacity of masonry made with those bricks were evaluated. Also, thermal transmittance and the risk of both superficial and intermediate condensation were analyzed. Obtained results demonstrate suitable mechanical and insulating behaviour for lightweight bricks, indicating that it is possible to build exterior walls of 0.15 m of thickness and still achieve the regulation requirements. Also, energy consumption can be diminished both in the production process and air conditioning in housing when the lightweight bricks are used.

Key words
ceramic, wastes, recycling, density, thermal insulation