Lightweight Recycled Polyurethane Mortar Placement: A Case of Success

The objective of this case study is based on establishing the real possibilities for the placement of cement mortars lightened with recycled shredded polyurethane, and their performance over a very long period of time, several years. Multiple types of mortars have been designed and dosed to be used as masonry base and resurfacing mortars. On site, therefore, it has been used as joint mortar and rendering mortar in a small shed. Mechanical flexural and compressive strength tests have been carried out on the samples made in the laboratory and on the samples taken from the mortar mixed on site. Adhesion tests have also been carried out on mortars applied as coatings, both exterior and interior. Organoleptic and other aptitude tests complete the study. The results show that this type of material is viable for application as a support for traditional coatings and finishes. This is a good advance in the real viability of reusing inert polymeric wastes in the construction sector, with the consequent environmental benefit, and in the line of contributing to the sustainability of the sector applied to construction materials.