Mechanical Characterization of Gypsum Composites Containing Inert and Insulation Materials from Construction and Demolition Waste and Further Application as A Gypsum Block

Abstract

This article analyzes the feasibility of using construction and demolition waste (expanded polystyrene, ceramic, and concrete waste) in a gypsum matrix to manufacture plaster for interior coatings or for prefabricated elements for interior partitions. To do this, several gypsum specimens were prepared (4 × 4 × 16 cm) incorporating different percentages of waste based on the weight of the gypsum (25%, 50%, and 75% of ceramic, concrete, and a mixture of both). Reference samples were also produced (without additions) to compare the results obtained. The compounds with the best performance were selected and lightened by preparing other samples in which 1/3 and 2/3 of the volume of ceramic, concrete, and mixed waste were replaced with expanded polystyrene (EPS). All samples were tested in the laboratory and the following physical and mechanical characteristics were determined: density, surface hardness, flexural strength, compressive strength, capillary water absorption, and thermal conductivity. Several applications were proposed for the selected compounds. A gypsum block with a sandwich configuration was obtained (40 × 20 × 10 cm) using the optimum compound. The block was further tested regarding its density and compression strength. A comparative analysis showed that it is possible to produce materials with a gypsum matrix by adding ceramic, concrete, and EPS waste, improving the behavior of the traditional gypsum and enabling them to be applied in various construction applications. These applications have a lower environmental impact than ordinary ones because they use less primary raw material, due to the reuse of waste.

Experimental Study with Plaster Mortars Made with Recycled Aggregate and Thermal Insulation Residues for Application in Building

“…This Young's modulus is greater in mortars made with natural aggregate compared to mortars that incorporate recycled aggregate, furthermore, it decreases when EPS is incorporated in the mortar manufacturing process, while when MW is incorporated, a significant decrease it is noticed. Finally, and in accordance with the results obtained for density, plaster mortars have a higher thermal conductivity than reference E0.8 plaster [61]. However, this thermal conductivity is reduced with the incorporation of thermal insulation residues in mortar mixtures, obtaining lower conductivity values for plaster mortars with EPS than those incorporating MW.…”

Characterization of a New Lightened Gypsum-Based Material Reinforced with Fibers

“…In recent years, several researchers have focused their work on the study of plaster precasts for buildings [31]. In this sense, authors such as del Rio et al have been working for years on incorporating construction and demolition waste using sustainability criteria that lead to the recycling of these precasts and other construction materials, such as recycled aggregates [32,33]. However, recent lines of research tend to unite energy efficiency and recycling, as with the investigations carried out by Sair et al, who have recently developed a new eco-friendly composite material based on gypsum reinforced with a mixture of cork fiber and cardboard waste for building thermal insulation [34].…”

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Gypsum-Agricultural Waste Composites for Developing Eco-Friendly False Ceiling Tiles

“…There is a growing trend in research to make gypsum eco-friendly to ensure its sustainable use [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] and several researchers have investigated the effect of replacing gypsum with some waste material and a few have also tried to develop eco-friendly construction products using the developed composites. In one such study, gypsum mortars are analyzed by incorporating construction and demolition waste (CDW) [13].…”