Evaluation of sustainable clay bricks incorporating Brick Kiln Dust

Abstract

Bricks are extensively used building material all over the world owing to their low price, frequent availability, and ease of handling. However, as a matter of fact, they also consume a huge quantity of good quality clay. In this research, Brick Kiln Dust (BKD) was used as partial replacement of fresh clay in bricks. The replacement percentages were kept as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by mass of fresh clay. In total 300 brick samples were prepared. The bricks prepared by incorporating the waste materials were analyzed for their physical, chemical and mechanical properties and the results were compared with those obtained from the control samples. The brick specimen were evaluated for their unit weight, water absorption, apparent porosity, efflorescence, pore size distribution, micro structure, crystalline phases, chemical composition, compressive and flexural strength, and sulfate attack resistance. The results indicate that the inclusion of BKD marginally reduces the mechanical strength, increases water absorption capacity, results in lower unit weight and higher resistance to efflorescence and are useful for insulation owing to high porosity. The research concludes that the BKD may be incorporated in the production of clayey bricks, saving as much as 25% of fertile clay, which is environmentally very beneficial.