ELABORACIÓN DE MORTEROS DE PEGA CON PUZOLANA DEL SECTOR LA COLINA DEL CANTÓN DÉLEG, CAÑAR - ECUADOR

Abstract

This study evaluates the partial substitution of fine aggregate with pozzolan from the La Colina area of Déleg Canton in bonding mortar, aiming to comply with the NTE INEN 2518 standard. The issue lies in the quality of mortars, which largely depends on the aggregates used in their production. The closure of mines supplying sand to the region has led to the use of aggregate from the Jubones River, located 70 km from the city of Cuenca. The research employs an experimental approach, replacing 5% and 20% of the fine aggregate with pozzolan and assessing its performance through laboratory tests in both plastic and hardened states. The results indicate that incorporating 20% pozzolan into the mortar improves fluidity by 7.9% compared to cement-sand mortar. Mechanically, the compressive strength exceeds design values, showing a 17.84% increase compared to standard mortar. Additionally, water absorption is reduced to 1.63%, and mortar density increases. The methodology included flow, compressive strength, and absorption tests, in compliance with national standards. The study concludes that local pozzolan is suitable for the production of bonding mortars, representing a sustainable alternative for construction and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional sand mining.