LAUSR

In present work, Ceramic Wastes Powder (CWP) is recycled as partial replacement of fresh clay in bricks. The proportions of replacement were fixed as 4, 8, 12, and 16% by mass of clay. Total 250 specimens were manufactured, having 50 bricks of each category. Physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics were determined and compared with those of control specimens. The analyzed characteristics included unit weight, efflorescence, apparent porosity, water absorption, pore size distribution, chemical composition, crystalline phases, micro-structure, compressive & flexural strengths, resistance towards freezing & thawing and the sulfate attack resistance. It was concluded that the bricks incorporating CWP exhibit improved mechanical strength, higher resistance to efflorescence, freeze/thaw and sulfate attack, lower porosity, and dense micro-structure. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test also confirms that the inclusion of CWP enhances the brick quality. In addition, the incorporation of CWP increases the unit weight, making bricks suitable for heavy duty and commercial structures. The study reveals that highly durable bricks can be manufactured using CWP.