THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY, COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND WATER ABSORPTION OF RECYCLED COCONUT FIBRE AND CRUSHED CLAY BRICK MASONRY

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the thermal conductivity, compressive strength and water absorption analysis of recycled masonry bricks using coconut fiber and crushed clay bricks as a partial sand replacement to create a green building material. The variable ratios of coconut fiber were considered and 10 specimens per sample were manufactured manual process using hand. Four (4) series of brick mix design from the total weight of the sand with different levels of coconut fiber and crushed clay brick replace half of the sand was created as irregular mixes comprises of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of coconut fiber. Overall, the use of coconut fiber and crushed clay brick as a partial sand replacement reduce the brick thermal conductivity. Thermal properties were measured based on the transient line heat source method using a KD2 Pro thermal properties analyzer. The suitable percentage of partial sand replacement for sand-cement brick using coconut fiber in this study was 4% and 50% of crushed clay brick after compared to commercial brick. The average sample of 4% coconut fiber was 0.532 W/mk of thermal conductivity and 18.74MPa compressive strength with density of 1716.28 kg/m3. In short, the thermal insulation potential of coconut fiber and crushed clay brick is highly promising for commercial development in Malaysia.