Abstract
This paper presents an economic analysis of manufacturing geopolymer bricks for use in the construction sector. The manufacturing processes of both geopolymer bricks and traditional fired bricks were investigated. For this study, we collected and analyzed all phases of geopolymer brick production from the extraction of raw materials to storage. Seven formulations of geopolymer bricks based on clay and waste bricks were analyzed. We considered the cost of raw materials and logistics operations in the production line of brick manufacturing. The results of this study prove that the manufacturing cost of geopolymer bricks based on clay provides an economic gain of 5% compared to fired bricks for the same compressive strength of 20 MPa. In the case of waste bricks, for the same production cost, the compressive strength of the geopolymer bricks is double that of fired bricks. Hence, this study shows the economic interest in the industrial production of geopolymer bricks. It also confirms that future research is needed that focuses on necessary changes to the current industrial production chain required for the manufacture of geopolymer bricks.
Highlights
After the economic crisis in 2008, construction activity in France grew rapidly
GC: geopolymer bricks based on clay; GWB: geopolymer bricks based on waste bricks; WB: waste brick
After collecting initial data for the geopolymer brick production chain, an overall economic assessment was conducted to determine the cost of production according to different formulations of geopolymer bricks based on clay and waste bricks
Summary
After the economic crisis in 2008, construction activity in France grew rapidly. This activity was followed by a strong demand for building materials. The pressure of economic and environmental costs is motivating academic and industrial parties to develop innovative building materials These targeted materials must respond to the challenges of recycling construction waste, reducing CO2 emissions, conserving non-renewable natural resources, and reducing costs at the industrial level. The production cost of one metric ton of brick was determined based on the cost of ingredients in the French market This novel study focused on developing a product database for the production of building materials in France, assessing the change needed to incorporate the product in the chain of production, and presenting a case study in the field of masonry with geopolymer bricks
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