dc.description.abstract | The crystallization of salts is an important and frequently observed pathology in masonry. However, it is still one of the least understood pathologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of florescence of soluble salts in ceramic blocks developed with phosphate sludge. For this purpose, blocks were molded with 0, 2.5% and 5% of phosphate sludge, which were sintered at temperatures of 750°C, 850°C, 950°C and 1050 ° C. The blocks were divided into two groups, one of which was kept under controlled temperature and humidity and the other was subjected to wetting and drying cycles. The groups were tested at 1, 30, 110 and 180 days. They were subjected to image analysis (binocular magnifying glass, graphic software and scanning electron microscopy), capillary water absorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry and flexural strength. The methods, x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence and emission spectrometry, were used to investigate the phase and chemical composition. The results indicate the presence of aluminum, silicon, calcium, potassium, sulfur, iron and manganese, among which stands out the combination of sulfur and calcium. Thus, the gypsite is considered to be likely responsible for the soluble salts, whose deposits were found in varying extent and intensity, prevailing in the blocks with addition of waste. The variation in porosity and the apparent decrease in the coefficient of capillary absorption along the tests may be associated with the processes of solubilization and recrystallization. In cycling time studied, the phenomenon did not influence the mechanical strength of specimens. | en |