Evaluación del uso de polvo fino reciclado de hormigón como filler en morteros.
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
La fabricación de cemento Portland constituye una de las principales fuentes de emisiones de CO₂ dentro de la industria de la construcción, lo que ha impulsado la búsqueda de estrategias orientadas a optimizar su uso y valorizar residuos generados en procesos asociados. En este contexto, el presente estudio evalúa el potencial de reutilización del residuo recycled concrete fine powder (RFP), correspondiente al polvo fino de hormigón generado durante el rectificado de probetas en laboratorio, como filler en morteros de cemento.
El trabajo experimental contempló la incorporación del RFP en mezclas de mortero, tanto en modalidad de adición (AD) como en reemplazo parcial del cemento, considerando relaciones agua/cemento variables (RV) y constantes (RC), en porcentajes de 2,5%, 5%, 7,5% y 10%, comparando su comportamiento con una mezcla patrón sin el polvo fino reciclado. Se realizaron ensayos en estado fresco para evaluar la trabajabilidad mediante cono reducido y mesa de sacudidas, y ensayos en estado endurecido para determinar la resistencia a compresión y flexión a 7 y 28 días, bajo condiciones controladas de laboratorio. Además, para la evaluación de la durabilidad del mortero se realizó un ensayo de absorción por capilaridad durante 7 días, al caso más favorable definido en las etapas anteriores. En este ensayo se utilizaron tres probetas control y tres probetas con RFP.
Los resultados permitieron analizar la influencia del RFP en la consistencia y en el desempeño mecánico de las mezclas, verificando su cumplimiento con la normativa chilena aplicable. En términos generales, la incorporación del residuo en proporciones controladas no generó disminuciones significativas en la consistencia ni en la resistencia mecánica, alcanzándose valores superiores a los exigidos normativamente, además se identificó el método más favorable, siendo la adición de RFP y el porcentaje óptimo un 5%, el cual mostró una disminución en la absorción capilar con respecto al control, traduciéndose esto en una mejora en la durabilidad del mortero.
En consecuencia, la investigación demuestra que el polvo fino de hormigón reciclado del proceso de rectificado de probetas, actualmente descartado como residuo, puede reincorporarse técnicamente como filler en morteros sin comprometer su desempeño. De esta manera, se aporta evidencia que respalda su valorización como material complementario dentro del ciclo productivo, promoviendo una gestión más eficiente de los residuos en el ámbito de la construcción.
The production of Portland cement is a primary source of CO2 emissions in the construction industry, driving the search for strategies to optimize its use and valorize residues from associated processes. In this context, this study evaluates the potential reuse of recycled fine concrete powder (RFP), generated during laboratory specimen grinding, as a filler in cement mortars. The experimental program involved incorporating RFP both as an addition (AD) and as a partial cement replacement, considering variable (RV) and constant (RC) water-to-cement ratios at levels of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Performance was compared against a reference mix. Fresh-state properties were assessed to determine workability through mini-slump and flow table tests, while hardened-state performance was evaluated by compressive and flexural strength tests at 7 and 28 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, the durability of the mortar was assessed through a capillary water absorption test conducted over 7 days, applied to the mixture that showed the best performance in the previous stages. For this test, three control specimens and three specimens incorporating RFP were used. The results allowed for an analysis of the influence of RFP on the consistency and mechanical performance of the mixtures, verifying compliance with applicable Chilean standards. Overall, the incorporation of the residue in controlled proportions did not lead to significant reductions in mechanical strength, achieving values exceeding standard requirements. Furthermore, the most favorable incorporation method was identified as the addition of RFP, with an optimal content of 5%. This mixture exhibited a reduction in capillary water absorption compared to the control mixture, indicating an improvement in the durability of the mortar. Consequently, this research demonstrates that RFP, currently discarded as waste, can be technically reincorporated as a filler in mortars without compromising performance. This study provides evidence supporting its valorization as a complementary material within the production cycle, promoting more efficient waste management in the construction sector.
The production of Portland cement is a primary source of CO2 emissions in the construction industry, driving the search for strategies to optimize its use and valorize residues from associated processes. In this context, this study evaluates the potential reuse of recycled fine concrete powder (RFP), generated during laboratory specimen grinding, as a filler in cement mortars. The experimental program involved incorporating RFP both as an addition (AD) and as a partial cement replacement, considering variable (RV) and constant (RC) water-to-cement ratios at levels of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Performance was compared against a reference mix. Fresh-state properties were assessed to determine workability through mini-slump and flow table tests, while hardened-state performance was evaluated by compressive and flexural strength tests at 7 and 28 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, the durability of the mortar was assessed through a capillary water absorption test conducted over 7 days, applied to the mixture that showed the best performance in the previous stages. For this test, three control specimens and three specimens incorporating RFP were used. The results allowed for an analysis of the influence of RFP on the consistency and mechanical performance of the mixtures, verifying compliance with applicable Chilean standards. Overall, the incorporation of the residue in controlled proportions did not lead to significant reductions in mechanical strength, achieving values exceeding standard requirements. Furthermore, the most favorable incorporation method was identified as the addition of RFP, with an optimal content of 5%. This mixture exhibited a reduction in capillary water absorption compared to the control mixture, indicating an improvement in the durability of the mortar. Consequently, this research demonstrates that RFP, currently discarded as waste, can be technically reincorporated as a filler in mortars without compromising performance. This study provides evidence supporting its valorization as a complementary material within the production cycle, promoting more efficient waste management in the construction sector.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Civil.
Keywords
Hormigón, Mortero, Pavimentos de hormigón