Incorporation of vinyl ethylene acetate residue into the production of interlocking concrete blocks for paving

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) residue, from the footwear industry, as a lightweight aggregate in partial replacement with the natural kid's aggregate in the production of interlocking concrete blocks for paving sidewalks and walking areas of pedestrians. For this, three concrete formulations containing residues with different percentages of volume substitution and a reference for-mulation (without residue) were developed. The cone trunk abatement test was performed in the fresh state. In the hardened state, the visual inspection and dimensional analysis of the blocks, the compressive strength test at 7, 28 and 56 days of age, as well as the water absorption test at 28 and 56 days were performed. It was concluded that the substitution of natural minute aggregates by the E.V.A residue in certain percentages (up to 30%) tends to promote high loss of mechanical strength and limit the use of interlocking blocks for low demand traffic. The results also showed that, although there are limitations on the volume of natural agregate substitution per E.V.A, the reduction of production costs makes the application of the waste technically and economically viable.