Strength and durability studies on sustainable eco-friendly green solid blocks

Abstract

ABSTRACT Masonry blocks are the most common material in the construction industry due to their excellent properties in terms of strength and durability. The present article deals with the innovative Solid Block prepared using fly ash, coal ash, lime, olivine sand, granite powder, and crusher sand. Olivine sand is partially substituted for crusher sand and the properties of the Solid Blocks are studied. The properties of the Solid Block are inferred under various parameters and the results are compared with the Conventional Fly Ash Blocks (CFAB). Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy(EDS) were used to investigate the microstructural characteristics of olivine sand and Solid Block powder. The Green Solid Blocks (SB) are checked for properties like compressive strength, water absorption, weight density, Initial Rate of Absorption (IRA) and sorptivity properties. The chemical resistance behavior of the green Solid Block samples is evaluated. The properties of the green Solid Blocks are interpreted and the innovative green block are found to be greater compared with conventional fly ash Solid Blocks due to the inclusion of olivine sand, thus promoting a sustainable technology with industrial by products. The compressive strength of the solid block is enhanced up to a 15% utilization of olivine sand; beyond that, the compressive strength is gradually decreased.