Sustainable Concrete Application in the Manufacture of University Urban Furniture

Abstract

It is clear that construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are constantly increasing throughout the world and these wastes can be used effectively to minimize the consumption of natural resources in the manufacture of more sustainable concrete. The CDW occupy an important segment of world waste production and its generation reached approximately 3 billion tons in 2012 in 40 countries [1]. Although this topic has been studied in the world, it is still valid for the reuse of waste that is constantly increasing, and although in many countries there are already examples of its use this type of concrete in Colombia and in the Medellìn city lacks applications. This project proposes the application of a sustainable concrete made with CDW and coal ash in the Medellín city for its implementation in the construction of urban furniture. A university community diagnosis of the needs in terms of furnishing was made. With the design reached, a modular chair was proposed to enable spaces within the university. The mechanical characteristics of the concrete and the design of the chair are evaluated and a simulation is done through finite elements to evaluate the viability of the proposed concrete, finding that with these properties is possible to manufacture durable and sustainable furniture that serves as an example for the application of sustainable materials