CELLULAR CONCRETE BLOCKS:VIABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This article summarizes applied research aimed at determining the viability of cellular concrete as a non-load-bearing partition wall system in residential buildings in Bolivia. The main objective was to compare its performance with that of traditional 6-hole ceramic brick, considering mechanical, hygrothermal, construction, and economic variables in cold and warm climatic scenarios in the country. The methodology included the formulation of mixtures with nominal densities of 800, 1000, and 1200 kg/m³, using a synthetic foaming agent through preformed foam (ACI 523.3R-14). The experimental research incorporated physical-mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and fire protection tests. The results showed that the 1200 kg/m3 dosage achieved strengths between 4.7 and 5.1 MPa, with a modulus of elasticity of up to 3 GPa, suitable for non-structural walls. In terms of functional performance, the cellular concrete blocks achieved levels of thermal comfort comparable to or superior to ceramic bricks, with lower weight and better spatial efficiency. The analysis determined that, under equivalent thermal insulation requirements for extreme climates, traditional ceramic partition walls result in higher direct and indirect costs. It is concluded that cellular concrete is a technically and economically viable alternative, contributing to SDGs 7, 9 and 11 by reducing operational energy demand and improving the quality of the urban habitat