The present paper presents the application of GUT (Gravity, Urgency, Tendency) Matrix methodology as a tool in the assessment of pathological manifestations in buildings. Three heritage constructions of the historic center of Sobral, Ceará, Brazil were studied through in situ inspections, photographic records and elaboration of the damage map. The GUT Matrix was used as a tool to rank, in each building, priority levels for each damage in order to define their order of treatment. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the applied method can be used as a useful tool to manage the maintenance of buildings through prioritization of the most significant problems and, to contribute directly to the preservation and safety of the built historical heritage.

The ornamental rock industry generates millions of tons of waste in different stages of rock processing. These wastes are stored or disposed of inadequately, which causes environmental degradation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concomitant use of ornamental rock processing sludge as partial replacement of Portland cement in contents of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% and of recycled stone aggregate as total replacement of coarse natural aggregates in the production and performance of granilite concrete plates. Four concrete formulations were produced with different replacement contents and their characteristics were determined through tests of axial compression strength, flexural tensile strength, water absorption, impact strength and strength to stains. Mechanical results were inversely proportional: the higher the sludge replacement content, the higher the axial compression strength and the lower the flexural tensile strength. Water absorption tests showed a gradual decrease with an increase in sludge replacement, impact tests showed that the plates performed better at resisting shocks best up to a height of 50 cm and, in terms of stain resistance, multi-use products and butoxyethanol-based stain remover were more efficient on waterproofed granilite concretes and natural rock pieces, respectively. It was possible to conclude that it was viable to use up to 20% replacement of the aforementioned wastes in conventional concrete, with additional minimization of environmental impact associated with the extraction and processing of ornamental stones.

The objective of this study is to analyse the use of binary mixtures of pozzolanic materials and concrete demolition waste in concrete mixtures, especially the resulting mechanical properties and durability. A total of ten concrete formulations were produced distinguishing them in different types using different Portland cements, different artificial pozzolans and coarse aggregates from concrete demolition. The particular properties of each formulation were verified by testing the axial compressive strength, longitudinal modulus of elasticity and penetration of chloride under immersion. Substitutions were of 15% w.t. and 30% w.t. natural coarse aggregate substituted with concrete demolition waste and, in the case of binary mixtures, additional 25% w.t. of the binder agglomerate substituted with rice husk ash or fly ash. Results showed that the final strength to axial compression and modulus of elasticity of concrete mixtures were negatively affected by utilising demolition waste, but this effect was balanced by adding supplementary cementitious materials. Regarding the durability test, it was found that the lowest coefficients occurred in the mixtures using CP V-ARI, together with artificial pozzolans, in mixtures with 15% w.t. substitution of natural aggregate with recycled aggregate. It was concluded that using recycled aggregates in concrete is viable but conditioned to the concomitant use of pozzolanic materials.

The use of plant fibers in cementitious composites has been gaining prominence with the need for more sustainable construction materials. It occurs due to the advantages natural fibers provide to these composites, such as the reduction of density, fragmentation, and propagation of cracks in concrete. The consumption of coconut, a fruit grown in tropical countries, generates shells that are improperly disposed of in the environment. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the use of coconut fibers and coconut fiber textile mesh in cement-based materials. For this purpose, discussions were conducted on plant fibers, the production and characteristics of coconut fibers, cementitious composites reinforced with coconut fibers, cementitious composites reinforced with textile mesh as an innovative material to absorb coconut fibers, and treatments of coconut fiber for improved product performance and durability. Finally, future perspectives on this field of study have also been highlighted. Thus, this paper aims to understand the behavior of cementitious matrices reinforced with plant fibers and demonstrate that coconut fiber has a high capacity to be used in cementitious composites instead of synthetic fibers.

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RESUMO O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar o emprego do resíduo de Etileno Acetato de Vinila (E.V.A), proveniente da indústria calçadista, como agregado leve em substituição parcial ao agregado miúdo natural na produção de blocos intertravados de concreto para pavimentação de calçadas e áreas de passeios de pedestres. Para isso, foram confeccionadas três formulações de concretos contendo resíduos com diferentes porcentagens de substituição em volume e uma formulação de referência (sem resíduo). No estado fresco, realizou-se o ensaio de abatimento do tronco de cone. Já no estado endurecido, fez-se a inspeção visual e a análise dimensional dos blocos, o ensaio de resistência à compressão aos 7, 28 e 56 dias de idade, bem como o ensaio de absorção de água aos 28 e 56 dias. Foi possível concluir que a substituição de agregados miúdos naturais pelo resíduo de E.V.A em determinados percentuais (até 30%) tende a promover elevada perda de resistência mecânica e a limitar o uso dos blocos intertravados para tráfegos com baixas solicitações. Os resultados demonstraram ainda que, embora haja limitações de volume de substituição de agregado natural por E.V.A, a redução de custo de produção torna a aplicação do resíduo tecnicamente e economicamente viável.