Re-use of recovered construction gypsum plaster: a study based on aptitude requirements of argentine and Chilean standards

Abstract

The increase in construction activity, accompanying the globalization of the economy has led to a huge growth in the generation of construction and demolition waste. Gypsum is part of the problem that leads the final disposal of them, since plaster waste usually have final destination in landfills, without take advantage of its recycling potential. The uncontrolled deposit of residual gypsum plaster can cause, among other effects, contamination of ground water and the generation of toxic gases. These and other reasons, coupled with the high cost of disposal, have prompted that many countries began to issue directives on safeguards in the disposal, avoiding negative environmental impacts and promoting its reuse. Aligned with this, the aim of this paper is to present the results of studies and laboratory tests of mixtures with gypsum waste in order to analyze the feasibility of it reuse, assessing their adjustment to certain requirements established in argentine IRAM 1607:70 and chilean NCh 143.Of1999 standards. Wastes, properly processed, were incorporated in different percentages in a commercial gypsum matrix. The results show that it is feasible to reuse, with consequent environmental benefits.