Desarrollo y evaluación a compresión de mampuestos prensados interconectables con incorporación de vidrio pulverizado y catalizador agotado de craqueo catalítico fluidizado (FCC) como sustitutos parciales del cemento

Abstract

The construction industry faces the challenge of meeting growing infrastructure demand while reducing its environmental impact. This study proposed the development of interlocking pressed masonry units with powdered glass and spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC) as partial cement substitutes, seeking to optimize resources and mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Cement is responsible for 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, derived from the clinker production process and the use of fossil fuels. Additionally, traditional bricks involve high energy consumption and atmospheric pollution due to their firing in kilns. These limitations demand sustainable solutions that maintain or exceed the mechanical performance of conventional materials. The methodology applied in this research included the characterization of materials such as soil, powdered glass, and FCC catalyst, as well as the development and evaluation of masonry unit prototypes through standardized testing and dosage. This process ensured scientific validity and allowed for objective comparison with existing commercial products. Raw material collection, processing, and compressive strength testing formed an integral part of the methodological approach. In this research, the Interlocking Pressed Masonry units (IPM) developed incorporated powdered glass and FCC, materials with pozzolanic properties that improved mechanical strength and eliminated the need for firing, reducing energy consumption. Results showed that, with a 5 percent cement replacement, a compressive strength of 3.58 MPa at 28 days was achieved for powdered glass and 3.09 MPa for FCC, surpassing the performance of traditional bricks (3.51 MPa) and conventional blocks (1.65 MPa) tested at 28 days, where they show maximum results. This research demonstrated the viability of recycled materials in construction, optimizing structural performance and reducing costs and carbon footprint, establishing a precedent in the industry for alternative and environmentally responsible materials.