Revolutionizing Construction - Harnessing the Power of Brick Kiln Dust as a Sustainable Cement Alternative

Abstract

Abstract: The concrete industry stands as the preeminent colossus within the realm of industrial domains. The building and construction industry, a primary contributor to environmental issues, is constantly seeking innovative approaches to enhance sustainability. Bricks forming the building block of the building structures are being manufactured worldwide. A substantial volume of fine particle dust is produced during the production step in the form of leftovers. This dust is the by-product of firing clay bricks at high temperature and the residual ash of the induced fuel. Brick Kiln dust poses environmental challenge due to disposal complexities. Commonly, the only established method of disposal is through land-filling, which can contribute to environmental concerns. This experimental investigation explores the transformative potential of utilizing Brick Kiln Dust as sustainable alternative to convention cement. BKD, obtained from a kiln situated in District Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was incorporated into concrete mixes at varying proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) as a replacement for cement. Through the use of rigorous testing on mix samples, this study examined the effect of BKD on concrete workability as well as compressive and split tensile strength. The results were compared to identify the optimal dosage for achieving a balance between reduced cement consumption and maintaining structural integrity. The results showed that adding BKD not only significantly decreased the amount of cement used, but also demonstrated that it was a workable and sustainable substitute. This research not only addresses the environmental concern associated with BKD but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop sustainable construction practices.