Use of bio-briquette ash for the development of bricks

The issue of the ever increasing demand for construction materials and waste management has created a need for the development of sustainable materials with the appropriate utilization of wastes. This paper presents the study of the use of bio-briquette ash (BBA) for the development of bricks. Physico-chemical property investigations for a BBA sample were conducted, and the sample was found to be suitable as an alternative raw material for the partial substitution of sand. For the development of the bricks, BBA was added according to the partial replacement method (5-55%) for sand, keeping the cement percentage constant. Six compositions were prepared with 10 wt% variations. The developed product was tested according to the Indian Standards (IS) for density, compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence along with the durability and thermal properties. The effect of the addition of the BBA on the brick properties was investigated. Thirty-five weight percent BBA, 55 wt% sand and 10 wt% cement were the optimal mix composition for the developed BBA bricks that fulfilled the desired properties of IS. The developed BBA bricks were found to have better mechanical and thermal properties and were more economical than commercially available fly ash and clay bricks. The developed bricks are recommended for non-load bearing walls.