Conference Agenda

Abstract– This study examines the importance of timely implementation of risk management in construction and infrastructure projects. The research identifies the planning and design phase, specifically during the preparation of the technical file, as the optimal time to initiate risk management. It demonstrates that this early implementation facilitates preventive actions, optimizes design, and establishes anticipatory response strategies, reducing costs and execution timeframes. The analysis reveals that the cost of implementing risk management ranges between 2.71% and 8.67% of the total project budget. A case study showed that, although it increased the initial budget by 7.91%, it avoided final cost overruns of up to 229.16%. Four main risk factors were identified in public works: construction, operational, market and financial, and political. To address these, an integrated risk management model and specific public policies are proposed. The study also analyzes 11 types of risks in the bidding phase, offering corresponding corrective actions. These contributions have the potential to substantially improve the performance of construction projects, minimizing cost overruns and delays.

The objective of this article was to determine the optimal percentage of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as a partial replacement for cement in order to improve the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The research used the deductive scientific method, applied orientation, quantitative approach, retrospective data collection instrument, descriptive, explanatory and correlational type, with experimental, longitudinal, prospective and cohort study design (cause-effect). The aim was to improve the workability, axial compressive strength, tensile strength, density and water absorption of concrete. The workability of concrete with different POFA replacements proposes the use of superplasticizers at percentages greater than 1.14% of the weight of the specific weight of cement for mixtures with a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.35, maintaining a workable consistency with replacements in intervals of 8% and 12%. The optimal replacement percentage of 20% of POFA, the compressive strength increased by 8.32% and the maximum tensile strength with a replacement of 10%, increased by 16.02%, with respect to the master concrete. The density of the hardened concrete decreased by 3.18% with the incorporation of 30% of POFA, the water absorption with the incorporation of 30% increased by 17.82% and the slump decreased up to 52.63% with respect to the pattern concrete, going from a fluid consistency to plastic or dry.

The construction of sports centres in urban areas represents a key strategy to improve the quality of life of the population, encouraging the practice of sports and promoting socio-economic development. This study analyses the feasibility and impact of the implementation of a sports centre in San Vicente, canton La Libertad, Ecuador. Through a methodology structured in three phases: preliminary research, environmental assessment and urban impact analysis, local needs, existing demand and development opportunities were identified. The results indicate that 78% of respondents practice some sport, with a high preference for football, volleyball and basketball. However, access to adequate sports infrastructure is limited, highlighting the importance of new facilities. In addition, the market study reveals a significant deficit between the supply and demand of sports facilities, highlighting the feasibility of the project. From an economic, social and environmental perspective, the construction of a sports centre would contribute to the revitalisation of local commerce, the generation of employment and the reduction of sedentary lifestyles. However, the study also considers the associated challenges, such as maintenance costs, sustainability and adverse effects on the surrounding community.

– This analysis examines the mechanical and sound characteristics of a modified mortar by including recycled rubber and rice husks as components, in order to improve sound insulation and promote sustainability in the field of urban construction. The study was carried out through an experimental method, in which various dosages of modified mortar were created and compared with a conventional mortar (MT1). Tests were carried out with the objective of evaluating compression resistance, density and noise reduction.

The findings showed that the mortar with the most appropriate dosage (MR4) achieved a compressive strength of 19.32 MPa after 28 days, something similar to the performance of common mortar. Regarding sound insulation, the modified mortar managed to reduce the noise level by 7.88% (from 82,019 dB without coverage to 75,553 dB with modified mortar), evidencing its effectiveness in sound absorption. The use of statistical techniques, such as ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, corroborated significant variations in sound performance between samples, highlighting the effectiveness of the recycled mortar.

Finally, the inclusion of recycled rubber and rice husk not only enhances the sound characteristics of the mortar, but also provides a sustainable solution by reducing solid waste and CO2 emissions. This modified mortar is presented as an ecological, viable option for urban construction, in line with contemporary trends towards a circular economy and constructions that are more friendly to the natural environment