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Production of Eco-Bricks Using Agricultural
Waste (Sugarcane Bagasse) and Shell for
Sustainable Construction
Nur Syuhada Mohamad Zain1, Arihasnida Ariffin2*, Normah Zakaria1, Norhasyimah Hamzah2, Siti Nur Kamariah
Rubani1
1
Department of Vocational Education, Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, 86400, Malaysia.
2
Department of Teaching Practise and Industrial Training, Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, 86400, Malaysia.
ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore the potential of producing eco-bricks from alternative raw materials, namely sugarcane
bagasse and shells. The use of sugarcane bagasse and shells as basic materials for brick production promises an
innovative solution to reduce environmental impact and utilize agricultural waste that is often overlooked. The
research methodology involves stages of raw material collection, brick development processes, and analysis of
the physical properties and strength of the resulting products. The process of making eco-bricks from sugarcane
bagasse and shells will be evaluated based on structural strength and other physical properties. The results of this
study show new insights into the development of environmentally friendly and quality brick production technology.
Additionally, a deeper understanding of the economic aspects of sugarcane bagasse production could serve as
a foundation to motivate industry players to adopt sustainable construction methods in their production activities.
Therefore, this research has the potential to make a positive contribution to agricultural waste management and
the development of a more robust sustainable construction industry.
KEYWORDS: Eco-Brick, Sugarcane bagasse, Shells
Received 9 May 2024; Revised 17 July 2024; Accepted 22 July 2024
Doi: https://doi.org/10.59953/paperasia.v40i4b.202
1. INTRODUCTION then enhanced by incorporating waste materials
such as rice husks and eggshells. Using sugarcane
Brick is the earliest introduced engineering material bagasse and shells to produce eco-bricks is often
in the construction world (Kubica et al., 2020). Bricks more economical than modern building bricks. Then,
have been used for centuries due to their chemical eco-bricks made from natural materials can be reused
and physical properties, and their types have become and disassembled. However, the used eco-bricks in
increasingly diverse worldwide. Although bricks construction need regular checks to ensure stability
have been around for a long time, their use remains compared to traditional bricks. The novelties of the study
widespread in the construction industry in Malaysia to on producing eco-bricks from alternative raw materials
this day. such as sugarcane bagasse and shells emphasizing
waste reduction and environmental stewardship.
Generally, bricks are made from basic materials such
as cement, sand, and water. In Malaysia, the standard Malaysia is currently facing a crisis of excessive solid
size for common bricks in construction would be waste and food disposal. According to the Institute of
215mm (length), 100mm (width), and 67 mm (height). Ocean and Earth Sciences (Hassan, 2011), Malaysians
The average unit weight of a common solid brick generate over 38,000 tons of solid waste and food
within these dimensions is approximately 2.25 kg. waste every day. As reported by Tarmizi (2023) in Utusan
According to Cultrone (2020), most bricks undergo size Malaysia, the amount of food waste is estimated to
changes due to expansion and contraction resulting increase by 2,500 tons every day. If this trend continues
from temperature changes during firing, drying, and throughout a month, the total amount of waste will
ambient temperature. In past studies, the main materials reach 70,0 0 0 tons within one month. Recyclable
used in brick production consisted of cement and materials can be obtained from household solid waste
sand (Cultrone,2020). These primary materials were and waste materials from businesses. Recycling plans
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for solid waste materials have long been pursued by The disposal of solid waste by these traders also leads
the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, but to odor pollution caused by pests and bacterial
they have not been sufficient (Mapa & Ubong Imang, breeding. Bagasse from sugarcane is created for the
2017). Malaysia only records a recycling activity rate of process of extracting sugar. The environment can
31.52 percent, while other developed countries have become contaminated by the incorrect dumping of
achieved over 60 percent (Roslan, 2022). Therefore, this bagasse. The approximate composition of bagasse is
study, based on previous research, focuses on a specific 25% hemicellulose, 25% lignin, and 50% cellulose. For
material to ensure that solid waste materials can be creative solutions, like adding it into the brick-making
used for future benefits. process, it might be a useful resource. Moreover, seafood
shells such as clams and cockles are also unmanaged
The purpose of this study was to investigate the food waste. According to Jumat (2006), shells are often
feasibility of creating eco-bricks using alternative raw discarded or left unattended by the public because
materials, specifically sugarcane bagasse and shells. By they are perceived as less beneficial. Our society lacks
utilizing sugarcane bagasse and shells as foundational knowledge about the potential uses of these shells
components for brick manufacturing, we aim to offer an because their exploitation is still limited and at a low
innovative solution that not only reduces environmental level (Nurhaida, 2021). Bricks can be made stronger
impact but also maximizes the utilization of agricultural and more durable by incorporating shells into them.
waste that is frequently disregarded. Shells are an environmentally friendly substitute that
also minimizes waste.
1.1. Background Research
Clay bricks, commonly known as red bricks, are 1.2. Problem Statement
the earliest introduced engineering material in the The use of low-quality bricks has been widespread in
construction field. Although these bricks provide building construction, leading to weakened structures
high strength, they are not the primary choice in the and contributing to the collapse of buildings. According
construction of buildings with low budgets (Robin, 2017). to a Malaysia Dateline newspaper article, contractors
According to Lee (2018), the selling price of bricks in prefer using sand bricks over clay bricks due to the lower
Malaysia produced by manufacturers has increased cost (Ferhat, 2022).
by 87% in 5 years. Compared to other construction
materials, clay bricks have recorded the highest Fur thermore, the use of red bricks also requires
percentage increase in construction material prices. additional work, such as adding sand and cement to
the brick joints because red bricks do not have a smooth
Clay bricks also have the potential for drastic structural surface. However, in terms of strength and quality, clay
expansion. According to Swastukawati (2011), clay bricks bricks, also known as red bricks, have higher strength
are sensitive to temperature and humidity. The effects of and quality, being twice as strong as sand bricks.
temperature and humidity in the environment can cause According to a study by Sani and Muftah (2016), red
the clay brick structure to expand, leading to changes bricks recorded 15.17 MPa in compression tests, while
in the shape and size of the bricks. These changes in sand bricks recorded only 1.76 MPa in compression
shape and size make plastering and finishing work on strength tests. It is clear that red bricks are of higher
the building structure more challenging. Additionally, quality compared to sand bricks.
clay bricks are more prone to cracking compared to
other types of bricks (Setiadi, 2019). Despite being high- However, red bricks made from clay will also face a
quality bricks, cracks often occur in small-dimensioned crisis if their continuous use continues. This is because
areas, especially in joint areas. To address these issues clay bricks are a material that easily expands with
with clay bricks, the production of bricks has undergone the environment. The use of clay makes construction
a revolution by introducing cement bricks. work difficult, in addition to being costly. Sand is also a
non-renewable material. If this resource is continuously
Cement bricks have solved cost-related issues, but their used, over time, this mineral resource will eventually be
use has a significant impact on the environment. This depleted. Past studies have shown the use of quarry dust
is because the production of cement bricks requires as a substitute for sand. However, quarry dust is also a
dust and sand from quarries. According to Idris (2021) non-renewable material (Jumat, 2006). Therefore, this
in Utusan newspaper, the world is currently facing a study focuses on the use of materials available from
shortage of sand supplies, with less than 1000 mining waste and renewable materials, namely sugarcane
areas left in America, as confirmed by experts. At bagasse and shells.
the same time, food waste from industries and small
businesses is increasing and affecting the environment. 1.3. Research Objective
According to Noor (2023), 53 tons of food waste from 92 This study aims to produce bricks using sugarcane
Ramadan bazaars in Putrajaya were reported in a week. bagasse and shells as a substitute for sand and cement.
In this study, there are three (3) main research objectives,
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which are: requirements of the stated problem. Therefore, it is
crucial to comprehend the procedures and methods
1. Production of sugarcane bagasse eco-bricks using intended for use in the structure of this methodology.
shells as a substitute for sand.
2. Deter mination of the physical proper ties of 2.1 Study Design
sugarcane bagasse and shell eco-bricks. This study focuses on the design and development of
3. Testing the strength of sugarcane bagasse and shell a product. According to Mat (2021), the study design is
eco-bricks. a systematic method that seeks answers to problems.
From Figure 1, there are two phases in this study. The
1.4. Scope and Limitations of the Study first phase is the development phase, and the second
Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to phase is the laboratory testing phase. Experimental
compare cement bricks with sugarcane bagasse and research is a study design that focuses on comparisons
shell fiber eco-bricks. In this study, the physical tests between the best-performing groups. In this study, the
conducted included a comparison of the weight of the testing used is the design of a laboratory experiment. This
bricks, shape and size tests, and density tests. As for the is because experimental research is a test with a clear
mechanical tests, only compression tests were carried goal. According to Shaari (2022), this experimental study
out. In terms of limitations, these tests were conducted allows researchers to manipulate factors to establish
only in the laboratories of University Tun Hussein Onn relationships between two variables.
Malaysia (UTHM), specifically in the material engineering
laboratory and the brick engineering workshop. 2.2 Research Instruments
The instruments used in this study involve materials
2. METHODOLOGY and equipment from brick production, compression
tests, and physical tests. The equipment used in the
Methodology is a thorough and detailed process production of sugarcane bagasse and shell bricks
employed in the execution of a project. To achieve includes a scale, ladle, stone mortar as a crusher, and
this final project, the methodology must be well- brick mold. For compression tests, the equipment used
structured. With the effort to develop this methodology, consists of a scale, a compressive strength machine, and
all planned initiatives will not deviate from the actual a ruler. Lastly, for physical tests, the instruments used are
objectives. More precisely, the outcome will meet the a scale and a ruler.
Figure 1: Operational Framework
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3. DEVELOPMENT OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND SHELL reports. A small amount of water needs to be added
BRICKS to the mixture as an activator for the cement. Table 1
shows the percentage of materials for each sample.
In the preparation phase of these materials, the first thing
that needs to be done is the collection of materials. 3.3 Production of Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell Bricks
The materials from sugarcane bagasse and shells have Figure 3 shows the process of developing sugarcane
different preparation methods. bagasse and shell eco-bricks. After the materials are
prepared and proportioned, the process of producing
3.1 The Collection of Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell sugarcane bagasse bricks begins by placing the
Materials mixture of sugarcane bagasse, shells, cement, sand,
Figure 2 shows the method of collecting material for and a certain amount of water into a brick mold
sugarcane bagasse and shell is the same, that is, at container. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and then
the initial stage, these materials are collected from poured into the existing brick mold container. Once the
restaurant leftovers and small businesses. Subsequently, mixture overflows from the brick mold container, the
the materials are dried under the sun. After drying, the compaction process is carried out by tapping with a
sugarcane bagasse is burned to ash, while the shells are compaction rod. This compaction work continues until
crushed until their size exceeds a 75-micron sieve. Finally, there are no more voids in the brick mold. Afterward,
all the materials are mixed to be used as a mixture. the brick is carefully removed from the mold to prevent
breakage. The removed brick is left to cure for 14 days
3.2 Material Ratio
at room temperature (Zanariah, 2020).
The control ratio for brick mixtures is 1:4, which means
1 part cement and 4 parts sand. Refer to Table 1, the 3.4 Compression Test
same ratio is maintained, but adjustments are made to This test utilises a 'compressive strength machine' to
the quantity of cement and sand by reducing the usage obtain compression strength data for the bricks. Before
by 10%, 20%, and 30% (Hadzali, 2017). The percentage the brick samples are tested on the compressive
reduction in cement is replaced with sugarcane strength machine, they must be allowed to cure at
bagasse, while for sand, the reduction quantities of 5%, room temperature for 14 days. After the curing process,
10%, and 15% are replaced with shells (Jauhari, 2020). the brick samples are then subjected to testing on the
These percentages are based on previous research compressive strength machine.
Figure 2: The Collection of Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell Materials
Table 1: Percentage Replacement of Sugarcane Bagasse and Shells in the Production of Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell Bricks
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Figure 3: Process of Developing Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell Eco-Bricks
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION indicate that the production of sugarcane bagasse
and shell bricks adheres to the mold, and there is no
In this chapter, the results of the physical tests and expansion or contraction. Therefore, it can be inferred
compression tests are provided. The results of the that the use of replacement materials, namely shells and
physical tests include weight tests, shape and size tests, sugarcane bagasse, does not result in any expansion
and density tests. As for the laboratory tests, only the or contraction in the production of these bricks. The
compression test results are included. weight of the samples is also lighter compared to
regular cement bricks. Hence, these eco-bricks can
4.1 Result be classified as 'light-weight bricks' if their strength
To facilitate the interpretation of results for each reaches 7 MPa to 14 MPa (Cultrone, 2020). Results of
conducted test, a summary in Table 2 encompassing the compression test on sugarcane bagasse and shell
all test outcomes. The findings indicate that the three eco-bricks indicate that they fail to meet the strength
samples weight 1.62 kg, a volume of 1000 cm3, and a of cement bricks.
density of 0.162 kg/ m3. Sample 1 (11.65 N/ mm2), Sample
2 (8.20 N/ mm2), and Sample 3 (5.33 N/ mm2) are the Based on the study of the compression test results for
results of the compression strength test. cement bricks, the difference in strength between
sugarcane bagasse and shell bricks and the strength of
4.2 Discussion cement bricks is significant, especially for samples with
In this study, a total of three samples of sugarcane the highest material replacement ratios. In comparison
bagasse and shell bricks were prepared with varying to the results of the compression test on cement bricks
replacement ratios for each sample. Each mixture had conducted at the material engineering laboratory,
different ratios of sand, cement, shells, and sugarcane the compression test result for cement bricks is 12.9
bagasse. The sugarcane bagasse and shell bricks were MPa, indicating a substantial difference of 1.25 MPa
manually produced using the equipment available in compared to the highest compression test result for
the laboratory and workshop of Universiti Tun Hussein sugarcane bagasse and shell eco-bricks. Based on
Onn Malaysia (UTHM). compression strength test shows cement bricks have
more strength compared to sugarcane bagasse
Based on the results of the developed sugarcane eco-bricks. On average, common brick units exhibit a
bagasse and shell bricks, it can be concluded that the compressive strength of approximately 5.7 MPa, falling
physical properties of all three samples are consistent. within a range of 4.3 MPa to 6.9 MPa. Based on these
The size for all three samples is the same, following the standards, eco-bricks samples appear to have higher
dimensions of the mold (215mm (length),100mm (width) compressive strength than common bricks but fall below
and 67 mm (height). The shape is also uniform with right the requirements for engineering bricks (50 N/ mm2 to
angles at 90 degrees. The consistent shape and size 70 N/ mm2).
Table 2: Summary of Tests for Sugarcane Bagasse and Shell Bricks
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For discussion based on result, study on sugarcane ACKNOWLEDGMENT
bagasse and seashell bricks, as well as the results of
cement bricks, there are physical and compressive This research was supported this research under Universiti
strength differences between these two types of bricks. Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Registrar. We thank
In terms of physical properties, the weight of cement our colleagues from Focus Group Instructional Design
bricks is higher compared to sugarcane bagasse and Technology (IDT) who provided insight and expertise
seashell bricks. This may be due to the composition of that greatly assisted the research.
sugarcane bagasse and seashells used in the brick
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