The Effect of Construction Wastes in Concrete Bricks for Load Bearing Wall

Abstract

Natural disasters, demolition projects, and construction projects generate massive waste. Materials from demolition, roadwork, and excavation were included in the “construction wastes” category, and more complicated wastes, including cardboard, plastic, metal, and ceramic. The objective of this study focused on the possibility of utilizing construction wastes such as plastic wastes such as reinforcing steel bars, tiles, tie wires, and nails in making effective concrete bricks for the load-bearing wall. Construction wastes such as 10%, 15%, and 20% were used to replace aggregates in concrete. Laboratory tests, such as compressive strength and water absorption tests, were carried out to evaluate replacements on the properties of ordinary Portland cement mixes. Results showed that as the amount of construction waste increases, the compressive strength of brick significantly increases. Also, as the percentage of construction wastes increases, with decreasing sand percentage, the water absorption decreases. Thus, this study on creating sand bricks from construction wastes as a replacement for aggregate is an excellent possibility for utilizing as building and construction material and a workable solution in combating the waste problem.