Avaliação do desempenho de pavers fabricados com resíduo de caulim.

Abstract

The current state of the national economy has allowed the growth of various industrial sectors, increasing use of natural resources and generation of wastes. Scarcity of natural resources, high costs of engineering components and problems caused by improper disposal of solid wastes are some of the reasons for the development of studies on waste recycling in various sectors. This work aims at investigating the performance of paver blocks produced with the replacement of natural components by kaolin waste. The basic procedure consists of molding the pavers and obtaining their physical and mechanical properties, emphasizing the compressive strength and absorption of water. The performance of the pavers were examined for different ratios of kaolin waste (0%, 50% and 100%) in substitution to the natural aggregate. The tests were carried out over curing periods of 3, 7 and 14 days. The results obtained did not attend the specification for paving when considering the use by commercial and/or special vehicles. However, the mechanical properties of the produced pavers suggest they may be used for other applications, such as in pavements for sidewalks and parks. Thus, the use of kaolin waste for manufacturing civil construction pavers may contribute as an alternative material, minimizing social, economic and environmental problems.