Resumen:
In this research we propose a method to include coconut fibres as by-products from agroindustry, as a sustainable application to reinforce cement paste and mortars, considering workability as a relevant indicator to obtain the best geometrical and percentage configurations. In agreement other publications, we show that mechanical properties such as compressive strength are not compromised with the addition of the fibres.
Descripción:
Over the years, the industry has evolved, not only satisfying their needs but also meeting customer requirements. This has been done bearing in mind not only local and global conditions, but also geographical and environmental adaptations, as well as the use of new technologies. The construction industry has evolved since the first civilizations using rustic building materials such as piled stones, solid clay and straw bricks. Later, with the use of volcanic sand and lime, a mixture similar to mortar was obtained. In addition, later, with the use of sands with a high content of silica, gypsum appeared and, together with limestone, it became the manufacture of Portland cement in the 1920’s. This material is used in the development of civil engineering, through its generic applications such as structures, foundations and water infrastructure for: roads, ports, airports, sewers, among others. It is also used for masonry mortars, in the management of radioactive waste [25], and as a filling material in forms and prefabricated products (panels, walls, ceilings, reeds). Its characteristics as: versatility, resistance, durability, handling, resistance to fire and cost make cement a material that cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, the modifications in its chemical composition, through the addition or substitution of pozzolanic ashes and additives; or the reinforcement of the cement matrix with residual materials from other industries, has enormous implications for the final product.