Incidencia Del hormigón ligero y flexible en la optimización de secciones, ductilidad y desempeño estructural.

Abstract

Ecuador is a country of high seismic danger. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the structural elements of buildings are ductile against lateral and gravitational forces. At the same time, they must have the ability to dissipate inelastic deformation energy to avoid collapse and improve structural performance. To achieve this purpose, structural concrete with high density EPS was manufactured in replacement of the coarse aggregate (Füller and Bolomey methods). Hyper plasticizer and synthetic polypropylene fibers were included to obtain flexible, lightweight and structural concrete (HFLE). The physical-mechanical properties of concrete such as γc, f'c, Ec, fcr y and εcu were later determined. The results show that the cross section of the beam with HFLE reduces its section by 28% compared to a beam built with HC, without losing the structural characteristics. In 28 days, the HFLE has a f'c of 37.43 (MPa) greater than 21 (MPa) established in the NEC, and a εcu of 0.0058mm / mm. It results greater than the εcu = 0.003 mm / mm establishedby the ACI 318-19. In addition, a density of 1898.68 kg / m3 lower by 17% was obtained compared to HC. Finally, it was demonstrated that the use of HFLE in buildings allows to increase the resistant capacity against seismic action. It also improves the performance of the structures, reduces the weight, decreases the sections of the structural elements, provides greater ductility, and dissipates better inelastic deformation energy.