Ecofibers for the Reinforcement of Cement Mortars for Coating Promoting the Circular Economy

Abstract

Nowadays, nobody can deny that climate change is a reality and that the life cycle of buildings contributes greatly to that reality. Therefore, proposals such as the circular economy must be integrated into the construction sector. This article shows part of the results of a research project whose objective is to introduce circular economy criteria in building materials, seeking new uses for construction and demolition waste from buildings. In particular, this article analyses the possibility of replacing fibres currently used to reinforce cement mortars with recycled fibres. After consulting the bibliography, we can conclude that some studies analyse the behaviour of cement mortars reinforced with different types of fibres, but none has been found that analyses the behaviour of these mortars for the application of continuous coatings. For this purpose, a two-stage experimental plan is designed to test cement mortar samples with different types of fibres, recycled fibres and commercial fibres, taking into consideration the characteristics that these mortars have to comply to be applied as continuous coatings. Moreover, a detailed study about the porosity of these mortars and its influence on how the mortars behave with regard to compression, water vapour permeability and impermeability has been conducted. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the mortars containing recycled fibres have very similar resistance, absorption and permeability values to those containing commercial fibres, so that they might be suitable for application as external coatings.

Decarbonization and Circular Economy in the Sustainable Development and Renovation of Buildings and Neighbourhoods

“…The article written by Carolina Piña Ramírez, Alejandra Vidales Barriguete, Julián García Muñoz, Mercedes del Río Merino and Patricia del Solar Serrano [19] is also focused in the replacement of raw materials for sustainable alternatives. In this case, recycled materials are used as reinforcement of cement mortars used for external continuous coating as a mean to seek new uses for construction and demolition waste from buildings.…”

Recovery of Mineral Wool Waste and Recycled Aggregates for Use in the Manufacturing Processes of Masonry Mortars

“…The values obtained for each physical property and mortar type are listed in Table 6 for further discussion. Firstly, the analysis in Table 6 shows that the incorporation of recycled mineral wool fibers as a partial replacement of the aggregates that make up the mortars implies a decrease in the density of these materials [64]. In all the types of mortars analyzed, a higher fiber content reduces the bulk density values, this density being higher in mortars made with natural aggregate compared to mortars made with recycled aggregate.…”

“…In all the types of mortars analyzed, a higher fiber content reduces the bulk density values, this density being higher in mortars made with natural aggregate compared to mortars made with recycled aggregate. This higher density of the samples made with natural aggregate has a positive repercussion on the mechanical properties of the mortars, increasing their resistance to compressive stresses Firstly, the analysis in Table 6 shows that the incorporation of recycled mineral wool fibers as a partial replacement of the aggregates that make up the mortars implies a decrease in the density of these materials [64]. In all the types of mortars analyzed, a higher fiber content reduces the bulk density values, this density being higher in mortars made with natural aggregate compared to mortars made with recycled aggregate.…”

Selection Criteria for Building Materials and Components in Line with the Circular Economy Principles in the Built Environment—A Review of Current Trends

“…-Recycled or recovered content recyclability [124] To and analyze the technical feasibility of reinforced cement mortars designed for coating which incorporate recycled fibers…”