Cevallos, Oscar A. and Jaramillo, David and Ávila, Carlos and Aldaz, Ximena
(2017)
Production and Quality Levels of Construction Materials in
Andean Regions: A Case Study of Chimborazo, Ecuador.
Journal of Construction in Developing Countries , 22 (1).
pp. 115-136.
ISSN 1823-6499
Abstract
An important economic activity in the province of Chimborazo is the
manufacturing and production of construction materials such as clay bricks, blocks, pavers
and petrous materials (aggregates). These materials must meet minimum quality
requirements to ensure proper mechanical behaviour and prolong the lifespan of civil
construction projects. In this study, the quality of clay bricks, concrete blocks, paving bricks
and natural aggregates for concrete produced in all the factories of the province from 2012
to 2015 was assessed. The results obtained were compared with the quality standards
provided by the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization (INEN). All testing procedures for the
characterisation of physical and mechanical properties followed the guidelines set by the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the British Standards Institution (BSI).
This study presents the outcomes of the quality evaluation of construction materials
produced in 258 factories located in the 10 districts (cantons) of Chimborazo. The study
revealed that paving bricks and aggregates for concrete performed better than clay bricks
and concrete blocks. The concrete block samples had the highest percentage of noncompliance with the specifications and the widest spread of the results. Quality problems in
the production of construction materials were found in all the districts of Chimborazo.
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