Evaluación del cumplimiento de estándares de calidad de mampuestos según normativa. caso de estudio: viviendas de interés social en Machala

Abstract

This project evaluates compliance with quality standards in masonry used in low-income housing in Machala, Ecuador. Laboratory tests were carried out on bricks, concrete blocks, ceramic tiles and mortars in order to analyze their compressive strength, water absorption, density and moisture content in comparison with the applicable NTE INEN standards. The results showed that none of the evaluated masonry blocks fully complied with the minimum quality standards, with the exception of the ceramic tiles, which showed compliance with current regulations. In particular, the concrete blocks used in non-structural masonry reached only 85.29% and 27.83% of the normative requirement for compressive strength. Likewise, the bricks tested presented an average resistance of 5.79 MPa, not complying with the minimum value of 8 MPa established by the standard. As for the mortars, those used in the projects analyzed showed deficiencies in their mechanical resistance, affecting their performance on site. It is concluded that it is essential to establish quality controls in the production and use of masonry in social interest projects, in order to guarantee their durability and structural safety. It is recommended that builders and suppliers implement periodic quality control tests on the materials used, ensuring that the products marketed comply with the quality requirements of the project.