Estudo da adição de finos de rocha na fabricação de blocos e tijolos de vedação do extremo sul da Bahia

Abstract

Stone dust is a residue resulting from the processing of rocks for obtaining gravel used in civil construction, most commonly in concrete. It is generated in the order of 10% to 15% of the total volume of the stone employed and is typically deposited throughout and around the area of the mining company. The objective of this study was to develop and ceramic blocks and bricks utilizing raw materials readily available in region of Eunápolis, extreme south of Bahia, with the addition of this residue to the red clay. Consequently, it aims to provide a suitable end-use for the residue, at the same time preserving deposits of clay in the region by reducing the environmental impact caused by their exploitation. The ceramic masses were formulated following a mixture-planning technique through the use of the Statistic software. The total percentages of residue used in the mass were of between 15% and 30%, as defined by the software on the stipulation of a 30% ceiling on the residue used in the mass. In a metal matrix, 60x20x5 mm3 test samples were created and then pressed uni-axially at a pressure of 25 MPa. The firing was performed at temperatures of 825ºC, 925ºc and 1025ºC, with concordant heating rates of 1ºC/min, 8ºC/min and 15ºC/min and an established time limit of 180 minutes at the maximum temperature. Characteristics of the raw materials and resultant masses were measured through testing of granulometry, Atterberg limits, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), thermos-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and exploratory differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The physical properties measured were determined water absorption, linear retraction, porosity, resistance to flexion and apparent specific mass. Additionally, the behavior of ceramic mass in regards to extrusion of the ceramic blocks using a laboratory extruder was analyzed, determining its resistance to compression (Rc) and water absorption (AA). Effectiveness of the mixture formulation was confirmed by performing the same physical and mechanical testing on a new formulation with different percentages than those used for obtaining the regression model, though still within the targeted range. Analysis of the results demonstrated the viability of incorporating the residue in masses, in quantities of up to 30%, for the manufacture of solid ceramic blocks and bricks used in masonry.