Evaluación de morteros con reemplazo de cemento y áridos utilizando relaves activados mecánicamente: proceso de molienda.
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Date
2025
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Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
Este estudio evalúa la incorporación de relaves de cobre, activados puzolánicamente de manera mecánica, como reemplazo parcial de cemento y árido fino en mezclas de mortero. La investigación surge como respuesta a la necesidad de reducir las emisiones asociadas al cemento Portland y de aprovechar los residuos mineros acumulados en el país.
Para ello, se elaboraron distintas dosificaciones de mortero con porcentajes variables de reemplazo, empleando relaves molidos con bolas de acero por tiempos de 15 minutos, 1, 4 y 8 horas. Se analizaron propiedades como la trabajabilidad, la densidad y las resistencias a flexión y compresión a los 28 y 56 días de curado. Además, se analizaron variables adicionales como fibra sintética, cal viva, agua adicional y variaciones en la fracción granulométrica del relave, con el fin de identificar el desempeño óptimo de las mezclas.
Los resultados demostraron que es posible utilizar el relave activado sin comprometer el rendimiento del mortero, especialmente en remplazos de cemento de 10% y 20%, y de árido fino hasta un 65%. Las mezclas óptimas mostraron buen desempeño mecánico y una trabajabilidad aceptable, destacando aquellas condiciones con adición de cal y combinaciones de fracciones. En cambio, los reemplazos de cemento superiores al 30% y los tiempos de molienda de 4 y 8 horas redujeron la resistencia estructural, debido a la sobre pulverización del relave y la pérdida de su capacidad puzolánica.
Se concluye que el uso de relaves activados mecánicamente permite desarrollar morteros con potencial aplicación en infraestructura minera subterránea, como hormigón proyectado o revestimiento de túneles. Esta alternativa no solo contribuye a valorizar un residuo minero de difícil gestión, sino también a representar una estrategia concreta para reducir la huella ambiental en la industria de la construcción.
This study evaluates the incorporation of mechanically activated copper tailings as a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregate in mortar mixtures. The research look for reduce emissions associated with Portland cement and to utilize the large volumes of mining waste accumulated in Chile. Here, various mortar dosages were prepared with different replacement percentages of mine tailings. The mine tailings was milled with steel balls for 15 minutes, 1, 4, and 8 hours. Properties such as workability, dry density, and flexural and compressive strengths at 28 and 56 days of curing were analyzed. Additionally, modifications such as the incorporation of synthetic fiber, quicklime, extra water, and granulometric fraction variations were implemented to improve the performance of the mixtures. The results showed that it is possible to use activated tailings without compromising mortar performance, particularly for cement replacements of 10% and 20%, and fine aggregate replacements up to 65%. The most efficient mixtures demonstrated good mechanical behavior and acceptable workability, especially those including quicklime and blended tailings fractions. Conversely, cement replacements above 30% and grinding times of 4 and 8 hours decreased structural strength due to overgrinding and loss of pozzolanic potential. Therefore, the use of mechanically activated tailings allows mortar with potential application to be developed in underground mining infrastructure, such as shotcrete or tunnel linings. This alternative represents a good strategy to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry.
This study evaluates the incorporation of mechanically activated copper tailings as a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregate in mortar mixtures. The research look for reduce emissions associated with Portland cement and to utilize the large volumes of mining waste accumulated in Chile. Here, various mortar dosages were prepared with different replacement percentages of mine tailings. The mine tailings was milled with steel balls for 15 minutes, 1, 4, and 8 hours. Properties such as workability, dry density, and flexural and compressive strengths at 28 and 56 days of curing were analyzed. Additionally, modifications such as the incorporation of synthetic fiber, quicklime, extra water, and granulometric fraction variations were implemented to improve the performance of the mixtures. The results showed that it is possible to use activated tailings without compromising mortar performance, particularly for cement replacements of 10% and 20%, and fine aggregate replacements up to 65%. The most efficient mixtures demonstrated good mechanical behavior and acceptable workability, especially those including quicklime and blended tailings fractions. Conversely, cement replacements above 30% and grinding times of 4 and 8 hours decreased structural strength due to overgrinding and loss of pozzolanic potential. Therefore, the use of mechanically activated tailings allows mortar with potential application to be developed in underground mining infrastructure, such as shotcrete or tunnel linings. This alternative represents a good strategy to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Civil de Minas.
Keywords
Materiales, Relaves (cobre), Mortero, Cemento Portland