ABSTRACT
The high consumption of non-renewable resources and energy associated with the generation of solid waste has encouraged the search for sustainable materials for civil construction. The composite materials with vegetables fibers, renewable and biodegradable, arise as an alternative to minimize environmental impact and to produce constructive elements. For this, however, it is important to use an appropriate matrix to allow adequate distribution of fibers, avoiding the winding of the fibers and the incorporation of voids during the mixing and casting processes. This study proposes the development of appropriate matrices to development of composites with high content of sisal fibers. Concrete recycled aggregate with high content of fines was used to replace 10% and 20% of the aggregate natural. Water absorption tests, by immersion and capillary, shrinkage test and mechanical strength tests were carried out in matrices. Composites with 4% and 6% sisal fibers (length of 40 mm) were produced and evaluated for mechanical strength. The effect of recycled aggregate on the matrix demonstrates an increase in compressive strength, maintenance of absorptivity and increase of porosity and shrinkage. Using selfcompacting matrices was possible to produce homogeneous composites containing up to 6% short sisal fiber, minimizing the reduction in mechanical strength by the addition of the fibers and thus increasing the capability of the material for structural or non-structural use.
Keywords:
Waste concrete; fine recycled aggregate; sisal fibers; self-compacting mortar
