Elaboration of an eco-brick for construction with improved physical and mechanical properties

Abstract

This study aims to develop a sustainable masonry product (light brick) for construction with improved physical and mechanical properties. In the eco-brick manufacture, raw materials such as cow dung and coffee stem were used, crushed, and joined with a binder material such as general-purpose cement to increase the mechanical resistance of the eco-brick. During the eco-brick manufacturing process, the cow dung is dried, exposed to the sun for two days, and mixed with hydrated lime, the material by eliminating toxins and bad odors. The results showed that the eco-bricks presented a lower value in their compression resistance with additions of 2:1, 2:2, 2:3 with average resistance of 3.34, 3.70, and 4.5 MPa, respectively compared to the common brick (8.28 MPa), these values indicate a reduction in the compression resistance around two times compared with common brick. On the other hand, the eco-bricks did not present fractures after the compression test. In addition, the eco-brick densities correspond to medium type according to the literature. Finally, this research aid in promoting the rational use of available resources, applying Colombian standard procedures for elaborating masonry products, thus establishing those eco-materials can be used to construct sustainable homes due to their non-polluting in the manufacturing process.