Optimización de las mezclas para la fabricación de ladrillos artesanales en la región de Malacatos

Abstract

In this research work seeks to improve the quality of handmade bricks produced in the region of Malacatos, Loja south of Ecuador. The purpose is to enable it for use in the local construction industry and develop more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes to the environment, which serve to mitigate the environmental impact that their production because of the intensive explotation of non-renovable resources. This 5 different soil samples were obtained and their characterization was performed: physical, chemical and mineralogical assays, these last were carried out through techniques of X-Ray Fluorescence (FRX), X- Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (ATG). Then is considered elaborate discs through mixture of soils and varying them percentages, with a diameter of 75 mm and a thickness of 20 mm to be tested using the compression diametral Brazilian Test (BT). With the best results of the diametral compression test manufactured handmade bricks for their subsequent conventional characterization as the bricks obtained through random sampling of 5 producers of the region. The data show that the mixture of Ceibopamba and Cangahua in percentages of 80% and 20% respectively, produced a 400% improvement in compressive strength compared with the handmade bricks currently produced in the region. Keywords: Bricks, clay, optimization, diametral compression test, mixtures.