Open Access
El agrocompostaje como solución basada en la naturaleza para el reciclaje de los residuos orgánicos: experiencia piloto con alumnado de FP
(Universidad Pública de Navarra, 2022) González Moreno, Miguel Ángel; García Gracianteparaluceta, Beñat; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Una Solución Basada en la Naturaleza (SBN) puede definirse como aquellas acciones en las cuales se emplean los principios de la naturaleza para dar solución a un problema medio ambiental. El compostaje se podría definir como esa solución natural para la transformación biológica de los residuos orgánicos en un producto de alto valor añadido denominado compost. Por lo tanto, esta técnica de reciclaje permite ‘cerrar el círculo’ en aplicación de una economía circular y contribuir en la lucha frente al cambio climático. Por primera vez en España, a través de la Comunidad Valenciana (ORDEN 4/2022, de 24 de marzo), se ha definido legalmente el agrocompostaje como todo aquel proceso de compostaje de subproductos y residuos procedentes de forma directa o indirecta de la actividad agrícola, ganadera y forestal, incluyendo como ingredientes exógenos a la explotación a aquellos materiales tradicionalmente usados para la actividad agrícola como estiércoles o, destríos y subproductos de la actividad trasformadora de los productos vegetales en el ámbito local y de autoconsumo. La presente comunicación pretende mostrar las conclusiones de la experiencia piloto de agrocompostaje realizada a través de un aprendizaje basado en un caso práctico con alumnado de un centro de formación profesional de la rama agraria desde dos puntos de vista: Por un lado, la parte puramente científico-técnica del proceso, dando a conocer los resultados obtenidos fruto del ensayo de agrocompostaje llevado a cabo con varios productos: subproductos agroindustriales de lavanda y lúpulo y residuos de café, en solitario y mezclados, en diversas proporciones de forma sistemática, con estiércol procedente de la explotación ganadera del propio centro educativo. Y por el otro, una parte más socioeducativa, queriendo mostrar desde un punto más 14 subjetivo, las vivencias, dificultades y preocupaciones del proceso de aprendizaje del alumnado mencionado como ‘maestros compostadores’ durante la duración del ensayo.
Open Access
A methodology to optimize natural by-product mixes for rammed earth construction based on the Taguchi method
(MDPI, 2024-11-13) Martín Antunes, Miguel Ángel; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; García, Beñat; Perlot, Céline; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarrroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
In this investigation, the Taguchi method was employed to optimize a mix based on four natural by-products for rammed earth construction. Two separate studies were conducted to enhance the dry density and the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). The four materials were assessed across four different levels, with moisture content also factored in as a parameter within a statistical analysis of 16 combinations. The Taguchi method predicted the combinations in which the Particle Size Distribution optimized the dry density and UCS as well as their dry density and UCS values. From the results, Moisture Content was the parameter with the highest influence on the optimization as well as the dry density and the UCS. It was observed that there was a direct relationship between the bulk density of the different granulometric fractions and their influence on the mix's dry density. The fines were the material constituents that showed the highest influence on the mix UCS. When using the Taguchi method in RE building, the factor that should be maximized should is the mechanical strength.
Open Access
Experimental study of the valorization of sulfate soils for use as construction material
(MDPI, 2022) Seco Meneses, Andrés; Del Castillo García, Jesús María; Perlot, Céline; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; Espuelas Zuazu, Sandra; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
This article shows an experimental investigation carried out for the stabilization of a sulfate soil. The stabilization was carried out in two phases: the first phase was the consumption of the sulfate present in the soil through its controlled transformation into ettringite. After this, a modified soil with lower maximum density, greater optimum moisture identified via standard proctor (SP) test, no plasticity and improved unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was obtained. In the second phase, the modified soil was stabilized by the use of different additives rich in oxides of calcium or magnesium, combined with by-products or waste materials containing reactive aluminum or silicon oxides. As a result, the mechanical strength of the modified soil was improved. In this phase, a binary binder composed of a magnesium oxide product and ground granulated blast-furnace slags (GGBS) obtained the highest UCS. The binary binder composed of lime and an alumina filler formed ettringite in the treated soil. This experiment allowed for the validation of a two-phase stabilization process and the non-conventional additives used, mainly magnesium oxide and GGBS, even for high-bearing-requirement pavement layers’ construction.
Open Access
Magnesium oxide as alternative binder for unﬁred clay bricks manufacturing
(Elsevier, 2017) Espuelas Zuazu, Sandra; Omer, Joshua; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; Echeverria Lazcano, Angel María; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Proyectos e Ingeniería Rural; Landa Ingeniaritza eta Proiektuak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Replacement of ﬁred bricks by unﬁred ones could be an eﬀective way to reduce the building industryenvironmental footprint: Their manufacture not only requires less energy and natural resources but alsogenerates less waste. Bricks are based on the use of an additive cementitious material in the form of a binder,usually lime or cement. Such additives have a great environmental impact owing to the high energy consumptionand CO2during in their manufacturing process. In this article experiments are carried out in order to investigatethe applicability of a MgO rich industry by-product as a binder for the production of unﬁred clay bricks. Fromthe experiments, the MgO was observed to show ability to enhance the mechanical properties of a clay brick inmuch the same way as lime does. Water absorption tests on bricks revealed the superiority of MgO over lime inenhancing the durability properties of unﬁred bricks. The laboratory results demonstrate the high potential ofMgO based additives as alternative binders to the calcium based ones. Consequently, this oﬀers opportunity forreducing the environmental impact associated with the use of ﬁred clay bricks. In addition, it could allow aneﬀective way for the valorization of MgO containing industry by-products that currently discarded to landﬁlls
Open Access
Characterization of fresh and cured properties of polymer concretes based on two metallurgical wastes
(MDPI, 2020) Seco Meneses, Andrés; Echeverria Lazcano, Angel María; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; García, Beñat; Espuelas Zuazu, Sandra; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
Polyester polymer concretes can substitute conventional concretes based on their usually good mechanical strength, adequate physical properties, and high resistance against aggressive chemical environments. They also show a high potential for using recycled targets in their manufacturing. This paper analyzes the fresh and cured properties of polyester polymer concretes containing two metallurgical wastes, namely: ladle slag and alumina filler. Both targets require a higher resin dosage than sand. The standard consistency test showed a low representativeness of the recycled fresh mixes’ workability. The ladle slag and alumina filler samples showed a higher length plastic shrinkage than those containing sand. All of the targets obtained cured density values in the range of 1.589–1.912 g/cm3. From a mechanical point of view, the sand and alumina filler containing polyester polymer concretes reached 11.02 and 10.93 kN, respectively, of flexural strength, while the ladle slag samples showed the best result with 19.31 kN. In the compressive strength test, the sand and alumina filler combinations reached 106.16 and 104.21 MPa, respectively, while the ladle slag achieved 160.48 MPa. The flexural and compressive elasticity modulus showed similar trends related to the resin content.
Open Access
Durability of polyester polymer concretes based on metallurgical wastes for the manufacture of construction and building products
(Elsevier, 2020) Seco Meneses, Andrés; Echeverria Lazcano, Angel María; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; García, Beñat; Espuelas Zuazu, Sandra; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería
Varied target materials can be incorporated into polyester polymer concretes (PPC). This allows natural aggregates to be substituted for different waste products in non-structural polymeric construction and building materials. Many studies have explored the mechanical properties of waste-based PPC, but the durability and surface resistance of these materials is not fully known. In this study, we compared the suitability of two metallurgical wastes to that of two natural aggregates for manufacturing durable PPC products. Durability against environmental conditions, durability against chemical products, and surface strength against physical damage were tested. Durability against environmental conditions was characterised according to visual damage and mechanical strength losses after freezing-thawing; no PPC combinations exhibited surface damage following the ageing cycles. The ladle slag (LS) samples exhibited the best pre- and post-test flexural and compressive strength. The properties of the alumina filler (AF) combinations exhibited the highest flexural and compressive strength losses after freezing-thawing. The calcareous sand combinations were damaged most severely by acid, while LS and AF exhibited good resistance against chemical substances. The LS combinations exhibited the highest surface strength against impacts in the rebound number test, while the results obtained for the AF combinations were close to those of natural aggregates. The surface resistance against scratching depended on the resin, not on the target material.
Open Access
Vermicomposting of lavender waste: a biological laboratory investigation
(MDPI, 2022) González Moreno, Miguel Ángel; García Gracianteparaluceta, Beñat; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
In the present work, lavender waste, a residue of the essential oil extract industry, was used to feed Eisenia andrei with mature horse manure at ratios of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 on dry weight basis. Vermicomposting was carried out for 70 days in laboratory conditions. Biological parameters such as population build-up, total biomass, mortality and cocoon production were observed and measured. Increasing concentrations of waste affected positively the growth and reproduction of worms in a significant way. The 100% lavender waste combination showed the best cocoon production and even tripled their biomass in the first week. A seed germination test was also made, where no evidence of toxicity was found. The germination index range was, in general terms, above 100. The results indicated that the earthworm E. andrei was able to transform lavender waste into compost and thus play a major role in industrial waste management and apply circular economy.
Open Access
Mechanochemical activation of non-conventional precursors for use as suplementary cementitious materials
(Elsevier, 2025-03-15) Seco Meneses, Andrés; Martín Antunes, Miguel Ángel; Espuelas Zuazu, Sandra; Fernández Jiménez, Ana; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This work analyzes the effect of Mechanochemical Activation (MA) of a Commercial low-grade kaolinite and low- grade illite, a feldspar, a diatomite and a clayey soil (non-commercial) as supplementary cementitious materials. Milling was conducted at different times for up to 360 min. MA decreased the particles size and increased the specific surface area except for low-grade illite. However, prolonged milling produced agglomeration in feldspar, diatomite and clayey soil. MA partially reduced diffractogram peaks and modified the dehydroxylation losses of mass in the thermogravimetric tests. MA's effect over the solubility of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 was not conclusive, with differences among aluminosilicate minerals and with no relationships with their physical parameters or chemical structures. Feldspar was the only one not to show Strength Activity Index (SAI) increases due to MA. Low-grade illite, feldspar and diatomite combinations surpassed 75 % on the SAI. No clear relationships were observed between the combinations SAI and their physical parameters, chemical structure or SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 availability.
Embargo
Valorization of mining by-products for rammed Earth construction
(Springer, 2024-07-27) Martín Antunes, Miguel Ángel; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Perlot, Céline; McGregor, F.; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Mining and manufacturing produce large amounts of waste. One effective way for the valorization of many inert wastes or by-products from these industries is their use for the development of sustainable construction materials. This work analyzes the ability of different mix proportions of two by-products from mining, a mining clayed sludge, and a spent foundry sand, for the formulation of a by-products based rammed earth construction material. To achieve this objective an experimental laboratory campaign was developed. First, the physic-chemical properties of both by-products were measured, and the geotechnical properties of clayed sludge especially clay content and granulometry were evaluated. Then, these four by-product materials were combined to create three different combinations of soils with continuous granulometric curves, adequate for rammed earth construction, following the available literature. A Standard Proctor test was carried out to determine the optimum dry density and optimal water content of the mixes. Then, the mechanical strength was characterized by Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests. The proportions of the materials with higher bulk density show a direct relationship with the UCS values obtained. Water immersion was considered for the characterization of the durability of the developed material. During the durability test, the samples lost their integrity. This work shows the ability of these by-product mixes to produce even more sustainable rammed earth constructions with 100% of recycled constituents, achieving the mechanical strength requirement, not durability ones. Further investigations are required to improve this by-product made soil durability performance.
Open Access
A biological insight of hops wastes vermicomposting by Eisenia Andrei
(Springer, 2024) González Moreno, Miguel Ángel; García Gracianteparaluceta, Beñat; Marcelino Sádaba, Sara; Prieto Cobo, Eduardo; Seco Meneses, Andrés; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using Eisenia andrei earthworms for vermicomposting hop remains from a lupulin extraction enterprises for the brewing industry. Vermicomposting process was conducted within 70 days using hop (Humulus lupulus) wastes blended with horse manure at five different ratios for triplicate in laboratory conditions. Number of worms, cocoons, and hatchlings were observed and recorded weekly as earthworm biomass, population build-up and reproduction biological parameters. The results showed an indirect relationship between the hop content and the growth and reproductive performance of the worms. Notwithstanding this fact, 100% of survival occurred in all combinations. A 50% blend of hop wastes and horse manure is suggested to ensure the optimizing usefulness of E. andrei. In addition, moment of maximum splendour of worm population build-up and reproduction parameters measured was achieved at around 40 or 50 days since the beginning of the test, seeing a clear and widespread decline from that moment.