Sustainable use of concrete aggregates in Argentina

LOCATI, F.; MARFIL, S.; BATIC, O.

Moscú

Congreso; International Conference. EngeoPro-2011,; 2011

Córdoba province (Argentina) is one of the main crushed stone producers in the central sector of the country and construction industry consumes the major part of the aggregates to develop concrete structures. Lithological and structural heterogeneities of some deposits in the Sierras de Córdoba require a constant monitoring by producers as well as inspectors and the lack of a correct advice given by specialized professionals inevitably impact in the quality of the produced material. Low quality materials can produce important damages in concrete, decreasing the structure?s life and even leading to its deactivation or replacement and therefore incrementing environmental liabilities due to demolition processes and waste accumulations. One of the world-renowned processes which affects concrete durability is the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). This process generates expansive gels which produce internal stresses in the concrete leading to cracking and affecting its durability. In order to evaluate the potential reactivity of rocks from Sierras de Córdoba, petrographical studies [1], mortar bar tests [2] and chemical tests [3] were carried out. Results were compared with previous studies in the same region. Samples show good behaviour respect to the ASR, due to their favorable textural and microstructural characteristics. Although there are suitable rocks to use as concrete aggregates in the region, a detailed study and a proper monitoring of the deposits is fundamental to design long life concrete structures. It will help to decrease the amount of demolition materials, contributing to environmental care.