Incorporation of Demolition Waste in the Manufacturing of Wet-Pressed Bricks

Abstract

This research work deals with the incorporation of construction and demolition waste, produced by demolition of buildings, to manufacture bricks which can be used for construction. Such bricks can provide solution to two of the major threats of our environment: (1) excess demolition waste leading to pollution, (2) possible demand for clay in future. The building debris, thermal waste, and a pozzolanic material were commonly used in the manufacturing of bricks. This paper includes the compressive strength test and water absorption test carried out on bricks. These bricks are ethereal and economic when compared with conventional bricks and also decreases the manufacturing time. In this study, the bricks were produced by varying the mix ratios of cement, fly ash, and demolition waste. The results of the compressive strength test indicated that the bricks can withstand a maximum compressive strength up to 15.03 MPa in 28 days. Further, it has been found that compressive strength increases by 20% when the percentage of demolition waste added is decreased from 57 to 33%. This study concludes that the excess demolition waste or debris produced in the construction industry can be used as a raw material for brick manufacturing.