Journal of Building Technology

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of silica sand and dust on the concrete mix used to make blocks. Fourteen blocks were manufactured with 20% silica sand replacing the natural aggregate and 15% silica dust, in addition to 14 blocks using a standard mix. Each sample underwent tests established in COVENIN 42-82 Standard at 28 and 90 days to evaluate its physical and mechanical properties. One of the physical properties evaluated was dimensional stability; the results were similar for both samples, since they were manufactured under the same conditions and the silica did not affect their dimensions. The other physical property is the absorption capacity of the blocks, which gave similar results at 28 days between the two samples and at 90 days registering an increase in the Pattern sample with an average of 8.54% and a decrease in the silica sample with an average of 7.05%, all complying with the range established by the Venezuelan COVENIN 42-82 Standard. The mechanical property evaluated was compressive strength, at 28 days the Pattern sample did not reach the minimum accepted strength while the sample with silica did reach said standard, and at 90 days the Pattern sample maintained the recorded strength while the sample with silica increased its values.