Hormigón para pavimento rígido incorporando fibras de cáscara de maní como agregado de origen natural.

Abstract

The project aims to develop concrete for rigid pavements using peanut shell fibers as an additive, with the goal of offering an innovative and sustainable solution that reduces the ecological footprint by utilizing an agricultural waste instead of conventional materials, thereby lowering CO₂ emissions from the construction industry. The mechanical properties of the modified concrete, specifically its compressive and flexural strength, were evaluated to optimize its performance in road applications. The methodology involved preparing concrete mixes with different proportions of peanut shell fibers, following specific dosages for cylindrical specimens and beam-shaped samples. Tests were conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days, showing that specimens with 2% fiber content achieved values closest to the target of 280 kg/cm² at 28 days, while beam-shaped samples exceeded 25% of the required flexural strength, demonstrating the positive contribution of the fibers under flexural stress. The conclusions highlight that a moderate fiber content improves the balance between strength and workability of the concrete. However, it is recommended to conduct long-term studies to evaluate the material’s performance throughout its service life.