Use of Residential Construction Waste and Residues from Red Ceramic Industry in Alternative Mortars

The use of residential construction wastes and residues from the red ceramic industry in alternative mortars was studied. Specifically, the influence of the surface area of these residues, determined by the Blaine method, and the mechanical behavior of those mortars were investigated. The materials are two hydrated limes and four pozzolanas (a red ceramic residue from bricks and tiles, two residential construction wastes, and one artificial pozzolana). These materials were characterized using studies of chemical composition, thermal differential analysis, and x-ray diffraction. The wastes were ground to obtain a distribution of surface areas and pozzolanic activities (determined by consumption of lime). Alternative mortars were prepared in the ratio of 1:3 by weight (cement/aggregate). For lime pozzolana cement, compositions of 30–70, 40–60, and 50–50% of lime and pozzolana were used. The specimens were cured for periods of 7, 28, and 60 days and the unconfined compression strength (UCS) was determined. The results showed high recycling viability of solid residues and a significant increase in UCS of the mortars with increasing surface area of the residue samples.