Tepetate as Construction Material
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 11
Abstract
Tepetate is a common material in central Mexico, which is frequently used in the construction industry. It is extracted from natural sites and commercialized without alteration. In general, it is used to construct backfills. However, there is a lack of information regarding this material for the construction industry. In this research, the properties of tepetate as a material for construction (plasticity, permeability, and strength under compaction conditions) were obtained. According to the studies of tepetate, it exhibits a wide range of values for these properties, thus making it less reliable as a homogeneous material for construction. Additionally, it has very low strength as a construction material. It is recommended as a standard practice to perform studies on the material before its use in construction.
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 2, 2011
Accepted: Oct 23, 2012
Published online: Oct 26, 2012
Discussion open until: Mar 26, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
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