Utilization of Linz-Donawitz slag and brick bat for the production of sustainable paver blocks

Abstract

Due to the unplanned and uncontrolled exploitation of mineral resources and the massive production of industrial trash, waste is now being reused and recycled for sustainable development. The production of cement and concrete in the building industry has been enhanced by the recycling and reuse of waste. Construction provides a lot of opportunities for recycling. These by-products can produce better outcomes and can raise concrete quality. There are about 120,000 brick kilns in India. Each year, 250 billion bricks are manufactured, of which 5% are waste. On the other hand, the buildup of Linz-Donawitz slag (LD slag) in India has become problematic, leading to a problem with landfills and environmental deterioration. Nowadays, paver blocks have become quite popular and are utilized to pave vacant spots in front of homes as well as parking lots, businesses, and enterprises. One of its key advantages is that damaged individual blocks can be replaced. The current study concentrates on utilizing these waste materials to create Paver Blocks that can be used by pedestrians. Paver blocks comprising LD slag at a replacement level of 50% for fine aggregate and brick bat at a maximum replacement of 30% with coarse aggregate were tested for properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption and abrasion resistance. Out of the proposed mixes, the mix with 20% Brick Bat and 50% LD Slag is the best as it qualifies the necessary quality and strength requirements.