Variability in the compressive strength of non-conventional bricks containing agro and industrial waste
Even though using both materials in a single brick is rare, the present study is primarily focused on the
uncertainty underlying compressive strength of non-conventional bricks and clay bricks made with agro-
industrial wastes like sugarcane bagasse ash and waste marble dust. In light of this, the study attempted
to understand the effects of sugarcane bagasse ash and waste marble dust as partially substituted brick
production materials. However, the compressive strength of brick is the most important parameter, and
an extensive probability study was conducted. A semi-automatic fly ash brick manufacturing machine
with hydraulically operated system was fabricated locally to economically carry out the current
proposal. Three different types of combinations, Type I, II, and III, were considered to prepare the
nonconventional brick, with the composition of fly ash brick as fly ash-25 percent, sugarcane bagasse
ash (SBA)-20 percent, sand-30 percent, cement-5 percent, waste marble dust-20 percent, and clay bricks
as clay of 65 percent with SBA 35 percent, all based on the minimum values of the suggested Indian
codal provision for compressive strength. The study concluded that, at a 5 percent significance level, the
variability of the characteristics compressive strength of both fly ash and clay brick can be described
with a normal distribution. For both brick types considered, the regression analysis for compressive
strength of bricks concluded with a linear relationship with R2 = 0.996 and 0.992, respectively. Also
confirms the use of statistical techniques, which are embedded irregularities in the data of the above-
mentioned brick types. The use of sustainable fly ash bricks in this study can be encouraged due to the
satisfactory results of characteristic compressive strength, subject to ample availability of raw materials
in a locality. [1]
Experimental studies on the dynamic compressive and tensile strength of clay brick under high strain
rates
Clay bricks are widely used in masonry structures around the world, as well as cladding for frame
structures. The clay brick masonry wall may be subjected to dynamic loads such as accidental or terrorist
blast loads and wind fragment impacts during the service life of the building structures. The clay brick
masonry wall may perform differently in this case than in the static loading case, and one of the main
reasons for this is the change in clay brick mechanical properties under high strain rates. Current
research into the effect of strain rate on compressive and tensile strength of clay brick materials,
particularly tensile strength, is limited. As a result, studying the dynamic mechanical properties of clay
brick materials under various strain rates is critical. The strain rate effect on the mechanical properties
of clay bricks is investigated in this paper using various test devices, including an electronic testing
machine, an INSTRON high-speed testing machine, and a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The static and
dynamic properties of clay bricks are investigated at strain rates ranging from 1.0E-6 s1 to 224 s1. They
also proposed empirical relationships between dynamic increase factors (DIF) for clay brick compressive
and tensile strength, as well as strain rate. [2]
Soil-cement bricks produced from local clay brick waste and soft sludge from fiber cement production
Local clay brick waste (CBW) and soft sludge (SS) from fiber-cement industries were used to make soil-
cement bricks, preserving raw materials by replacing industrial wastes. 15 percent Portland cement, 15
percent sand, and 70 percent laterite make up the control formula for soil-cement bricks. In the control
formula, clay brick waste with values ranging from 10 to 50 percent of laterite weight was added. The
total weight of the dry mixture in the control formula was replaced by 5 and 10% for SS. A manual brick
making machine was used to shape the samples. The compressive strength of all by-product bricks
exceeded industry standards, according to the findings. For a 10% replacement of laterite by CBW, the
maximum compressive strength was achieved. Thermal conductivity and weight of the bricks were
reduced even more when both SS and CBW were used. The percentage of water absorption
incorporated into the by-product bricks, on the other hand, was higher than the control formula but still
within the industrial standard's permissible limit for load-bearing applications. When compared to the
control formula, all by-product bricks had lower thermal conductivity. Control formula soil-cement
bricks have improved or provided similar properties to soil-cement bricks made with industry by-
products. The use of CBW and SS content in brick samples can help save natural resources by lowering
fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions. [3]
An investigation of demolished floor and wall ceramic tile waste utilization in fired brick production
In order to achieve the circular economy's goals, the conversion of waste into construction materials is
an emerging area. This research is the first to use demolished building floor and wall tile (DFWT) waste
in the production of fired bricks using two different types of soils: laterite and alluvial soil. At two
different temperatures, 850 °C and 900 °C, the soil and demolished building floor and wall tile waste
were mixed in different ratios ranging from 5wt percent to 45wt percent, as is typical of a commercial
kiln's firing regime. respectively. The findings of this study will aid in the achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 11, and 12. [4]
Comparative aspects regarding concrete of structural grade made with recycled brick aggregate with /
without fine particles from crushing
Because it contributes to the conservation of natural aggregate resources, recycled brick aggregate
(RBA) is regarded as an environmentally friendly aggregate. Building construction waste, demolition
waste, and ceramic industry waste can all be used to make this type of aggregate. Crushing produces the
RBA aggregate, but a significant percentage of the particles are small in size, making it a fine aggregate.
Fine particles of RBA obtained through crushing brick waste from building demolition are evaluated in
this study to see if they can be used in conventional recycled brick aggregate concrete, as well as their
impact on RBAC properties such as density and strength. RBAC was developed as a reference concrete,
with RBA aggregate as coarse and sand as fine aggregate. Consistent with this size distribution, concrete
mixes were developed in which each size of sand was replaced in volume with fine brick aggregate (FBA)
of equal size, one by one, until the entire replacement had been completed The mix parameters, such as
the water-to-cement ratio, cement content, and aggregate volume, were identical for all mixes for a
valid comparison. The findings show that replacing each size fraction of sand in conventional RBAC
consecutively and thus increasing the replacement volume has an impact on strength at standard testing
ages to some extent. When sand was completely replaced with fine brick aggregate, density and
strength decreased by 150 kg/m3 and 17 percent, respectively, in this study. [5]
Engineering properties of waste-based alkali activated concrete brick containing low calcium fly ash
and rice husk ash: A comparison with traditional Portland cement concrete brick
As an alternative to PC as the primary binder in brick manufacturing, alkali activated concrete bricks
made from waste materials are a viable option. The mechanical and durability properties of blended fly
ash and 20% rice husk ash (20RHA) alkali activated bricks are reported in this study, which compares
them to Portland cement (PC) bricks (100PC). Between 7 and 28 days, the 20RHA brick's compressive
strength increased by 4%, compared to 13.8 percent for 100PC bricks. Both had similar compressive
strength after 28 days (approximately 17 MPa). The high bond strength at the interface of the 20RHA
alkali activated binder and aggregates is responsible for the high tensile strength observed in 20RHA. At
all ages, 20RHA bricks had a stronger bond within the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) boundary than
100PC bricks, according to microstructural analysis. The fracture plane is more likely to pass through the
aggregates than through the bond interface as a result of this. The lower initial rate of absorption
obtained for 20RHA concrete when compared to 100PC is hypothesized to be due to lower capillary
suction near the surface. Due to the combination of high porosity, a high Na2O/Al2O3 ratio, and
increased sodium ion leaching, the addition of RHA makes the bricks more vulnerable to efflorescence
when exposed to moisture. [6]
Investigation of compression constitutive relationship of ancient brick masonry
The main mechanical properties of ancient masonry materials and the stress–strain relationship of
ancient brick masonry were analyzed under uniaxial compression using uniaxial compressive strength
tests on glutinous rice mortar, ancient bricks, and ancient brick masonry. Based on masonry compressive
strength, single-brick compressive strength, and mortar compressive strength, the constitutive
relationship of ancient brick masonry in China's Shanxi Province and elastic modulus formulas was
established. masonry under axial compression can satisfactorily fit the experimental data obtained for
masonry under axial compression, according to the findings. [7]
Study on properties of bio-bricks
To maintain needs and ecology in the age of sustainability, it is necessary to prevent the depletion of
natural resources. As a result, materials such as fly ash and bacterial solutions (Bacillus Megaterium and
Bacillus Subtilis) are widely used in the manufacturing of mud and fly ash bio-bricks. To find the
optimum mix proportion of a brick, the experiment was carried out at various pH levels (basic, acidic,
neutral) and temperatures (4, 31, 60 °C) with two different types of water (lab grade, groundwater). Bio-
mineralization (a process that converts CaCl2, urea, and bacteria into CaCO3) was used to cast the bricks
using the MICP method. The physical and mechanical properties of bricks, such as compressive strength,
water absorption, hardness, size, shape, and color, have been determined through an experimental
program at various ages of bricks. The results of the experiment will be used to determine the effects of
bacterial solutions and fly ash content on the properties of unburnt bricks. The bricks tested had better
properties than conventional bricks, making them suitable for temporary construction. [8]
Assessing the structural efficiency and durability of burnt clay bricks incorporating fly ash and silica
fume as additives
Over the last few decades, rapid industrialization has increased the amount of waste material disposed
of in open-air landfills. The use of industrial wastes to make bricks can improve their functional
properties while also reducing the environmental pollution caused by landfills. The effects of silica fume
(SF) and fly ash (FA) on the structural and durability properties of burnt clay bricks (BCB) manufactured
at the industrial kiln site were investigated in this study. With a percentage variation of 2–10 percent,
the SF and FA were added to the brick earth. The addition of 4% SF to brick earth increased the
compressive strength of BCB by 27.55 percent, while 4% FA increased the compressive strength by 17.36
percent, according to the results. The addition of SF and FA also reduced the weight of BCB, water
absorption, and efflorescence while increasing structural efficiency, according to the findings. The
addition of SF and FA resulted in a variation in all of the burnt clay bricks' dimensions. Nonetheless, the
variation was found to be within the testing standards' range [9]
Experimental study on the effect of plastic waste strips and waste brick powder on strength
parameters of expansive soils
Ethiopia is blessed with a wealth of fertile soils. Due to its difficulty in volume change when exposed to
water, this type of soil is weaker in nature, with low strength and load-resistance characteristics. As a
result, during dry seasons, the volume of such soils expands and contracts when saturated with water.
Such soil should be removed or improved for use as foundation soil in civil infrastructure construction.
Removing the soil, on the other hand, incurs additional construction costs. Improved road stiffness and
load-carrying capacity, on the other hand, necessitates treating the road with stabilizers, which help
achieve low cost and high performance. This research aimed to treat such soils with waste-disposed
materials in order to improve pressure resistance and reduce pollution. Brick waste powder (20, 30, and
40 percent) and waste plastic strips (0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, and 0.75 percent) are used to treat
locally available expansive soil in this study. Water is provided in disposable plastic bottles. To find the
best percentage of mixes, Atterberg limits, compaction, CBR, and unconfined compressive strength were
used. Various percentages of PWS (plastic waste strips) and BP were used in numerous trials (brick
powder). A significant change was observed with the addition of 0.75 percent PWS and 30 percent BP,
with a significant improvement in free swell, CBR, and unconfined compressive strength values. Plastic
waste strips and brick waste powder were found to improve the strength of expansive soils, according to
the study. In addition to lowering pollution, this could pave the way for the use of waste materials in
pavement construction. [10]
[1] M. Priyadarshini, J. P. Giri, and M. Patnaik, “Variability in the compressive strength of non-conventional
bricks containing agro and industrial waste,” Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 14, p. e00506,
Jun. 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.CSCM.2021.E00506.
[2] Y. Shi, N. Wang, Z. X. Li, and Y. Ding, “Experimental studies on the dynamic compressive and tensile
strength of clay brick under high strain rates,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 272, p. 121908,
Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2020.121908.
[3] N. Kongkajun, E. A. Laitila, P. Ineure, W. Prakaypan, B. Cherdhirunkorn, and P. Chakartnarodom, “Soil-
cement bricks produced from local clay brick waste and soft sludge from fiber cement production,” Case
Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 13, p. e00448, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.1016/J.CSCM.2020.E00448.
[4] M. Dubale, G. Goel, A. Kalamdhad, and L. B. Singh, “An investigation of demolished floor and wall
ceramic tile waste utilization in fired brick production,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, vol. 25,
p. 102228, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.ETI.2021.102228.
[5] B. Rosca, “Comparative aspects regarding concrete of structural grade made with recycled brick
aggregate with / without fine particles from crushing,” Materials Today: Proceedings, Jan. 2022, doi:
10.1016/J.MATPR.2021.12.362.
[6] S. Fernando, C. Gunasekara, D. W. Law, M. C. M. Nasvi, S. Setunge, and R. Dissanayake, “Engineering
properties of waste-based alkali activated concrete brick containing low calcium fly ash and rice husk
ash: A comparison with traditional Portland cement concrete brick,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol.
46, p. 103810, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.JOBE.2021.103810.
[7] Q. Xia, Y. Sun, J. Wu, J. Li, Y. Li, and C. Shen, “Investigation of compression constitutive relationship of
ancient brick masonry,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 317, p. 126093, Jan. 2022, doi:
10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2021.126093.
[8] V. Poornima, R. Venkatasubramani, V. Sreevidya, and P. Chandrasekar, “Study on properties of bio-
bricks,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 49, pp. 2103–2109, Jan. 2022, doi:
10.1016/J.MATPR.2021.08.315.
[9] A. Kumar, R. Kumar, V. Das, A. A. Jhatial, and T. H. Ali, “Assessing the structural efficiency and durability
of burnt clay bricks incorporating fly ash and silica fume as additives,” Construction and Building
Materials, vol. 310, p. 125233, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2021.125233.
[10] S. Amena, “Experimental study on the effect of plastic waste strips and waste brick powder on strength
parameters of expansive soils,” Heliyon, vol. 7, no. 11, p. e08278, Nov. 2021, doi:
10.1016/J.HELIYON.2021.E08278.
