Lightweight Concrete: An Alternative for Recycling Cellulose Pulp

Abstract

From the analysis of the production process of molded pulp packaging, it can be seen that one of the residues generated in the molding is “pulp”. When this waste cannot be reincorporated into the production line, is recovered by centrifugation in the effluent treatment system.With the intention of recycling this residue it was investigated the feasibility of their use in the manufacture of concrete blocks or panels lightened studying possible ways to use the material, either in the wet state (form is discharged from the process) or dry (dried in a controlled environment), analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.For practical purposes, various dosages were proposed to maintain constant the amount of residue and varying the amounts and proportions of water and cement. Test specimens were made with various amounts of cement per m3 of concrete.