Experimental analysis on partial replacement of cement with brick powder in concrete

Abstract

The aim of this research is to interrogate the feasibility of using Waste brick powder (WBP) successfully in concrete as a substitute of cement. The replacement levels were kept at 5% and 10%, compared to the reference concrete. The tests consisted of slump, density, compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths, Schmidt Hammer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and microscopic analysis. The results revealed an increase in workability, which is attributed to the particle size and shape of WBP. WBP particles have round edges and smooth surfaces, which lubricate the mix and give a ball bearing effect. The decrease in density is attributed to the lower density of WBP. The increase in compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths highlighted an indication of the improvement of concrete quality by WBP inclusion: This is attributed to compact structure of the specimens owing to the location of pozzolanic products in concrete voids. Rebound Hammer and Ultrasonic pulse velocity also validated enhancement of the quality of concrete. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of primary ettringite and enhanced CSH content in WBP-replaced samples. Energy Dispersive Spectra (EDS) showed highest peaks of Ca and Si (enhanced quantity of CSH) and low peak of Al (Ettringite) in WBP-containing concrete specimens.