The amazonic region is geologically mainly composed by sedimentary rocks; by consequence, it is difficult to obtain igneous rocks to use in concrete. Hence, the natural gravel produced by the weathering action of running water on the beds and banks of streams is largely used. Nowadays, the substitution of natural gravel by an aggregate whose production minimizes the environmental impact has been a theme of research. This work presents a study of the characteristics and technological properties of two ceramic pastes from Iranduba and Manacapuru. AM, with the purpose of manufacturing synthetic aggregate of calcined clay for use in concrete. The ceramic pastes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, evaluation of chemical composition, particle size distribution and plasticity. The samples were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 20 MPa and calcined at 850, 950, 1050 and 1150 ºC. The technological properties evaluated were: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent specific mass and vitrification temperature. The ceramic paste that presented the smallest apparent specific mass and smallest percentile of molding humidity was chosen for synthetic aggregate. The results obtained for the concrete produced with the synthetic aggregate of calcined clay show its potential as a substitute of the natural aggregate of the Amazonic region, the natural gravel.
ceramic body; calcined clay; vitrification
