Abstract:

Bricks are the primary building material for house construction, but the growing demand for conventional bricks has raised concerns regarding sustainability, resource depletion, and environmental impact. The rapid expansion of the construction industry has prompted engineers to explore alternative materials that enhance durability and efficiency while reducing reliance on traditional brick production methods. This study focuses on the experimental investigation of using marble waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a substitute for cement in the production of concrete bricks. By integrating these industrial by-products, this research aims to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly building materials that align with sustainable construction practices. For this study, M15-grade concrete was used to manufacture bricks, with marble waste replacing coarse aggregate at varying levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, while cement was partially replaced with SCBA at a constant rate of 10%. Brick specimens of dimensions 190mm × 90mm × 90mm were cast and subjected to various tests to assess their mechanical and durability properties. These included shape and size evaluation, compressive strength test, water absorption test, fire resistance test, soundness test, drop test, efflorescence test, color assessment, and structural integrity analysis. The experimental results demonstrate that incorporating marble waste and SCBA into concrete bricks significantly improves their mechanical properties and environmental benefits. The compressive strength of the bricks increased up to an optimal replacement percentage before a slight decline was observed at higher levels of marble waste substitution. Water absorption remained within acceptable limits, indicating good density and durability. The fire ignition and soundness tests showed that the modified bricks offered enhanced thermal resistance and acoustic insulation compared to traditional bricks. Additionally, drop and efflorescence tests confirmed that the alternative bricks exhibited strong weather resistance and structural stability, making them suitable for construction applications. Using marble waste and SCBA in concrete brick production not only reduces the dependence on natural raw materials but also mitigates waste disposal issues associated with industrial by-products.

Description:

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