Technical evaluation of block masonry with pozzolanic additions

Abstract

Tests are carried out on various specimens of concrete block masonry, replacing Portland cement with pozzolans available in the region of Antofagasta, Chile (fly ash, volcanic ash and desert dust). To characterize the strength of the masonry, individual blocks, prisms and small walls are tested, made of concrete with different binder combinations «cement-pozzolan»; the obtained resistances are compared with standard mixture (100% cement). The results indicate that it is feasible to replace a percentage of Portland cement with pozzolans, obtaining very similar resistance, contributing to reduce construction costs and also, contributing to the environment by reducing cement demand and thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that are generated in the calcination of the raw material. It is also pretension to enhance the importance of the masonry of concrete blocks in the construction of low-cost housing (economic and ecological).