COMPRESSIVE AND BENDING STRENGTH OF CHAMBO ARTISANAL BRICKS WITH ADDITION OF RECYCLED GLASS POWDER

This article describes the main findings obtained when implementing recycled glass powder as an ingredient in the production of artisanal bricks in the Chambo canton, with the aim of improving their mechanical properties. The characterization of the brick's raw material (soil and ash) was carried out, followed by the fabrication of bricks with the addition of glass powder (PV), using the artisanal procedure with only the modification of adding glass powder to the mixture. The results indicate that the soil used as the main raw material is classified, according to the SUCS methodology, as a well-graded sand with silt (SW-SM). Modified bricks with glass powder show up to 240% compressive strength and 220% flexural strength capability compared to traditional bricks when using 8% to 12% glass powder dosage in the mixture. Additionally, both traditional and modified bricks exhibit a water absorption percentage between 25% and 26%. The procedures, as well as the interpretation and contrast of the results, are based on the guidelines established by the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization (INEN).