Mutations in Burnt-Clay Brick Properties attributable to Waste Glass

Abstract

Recently, the need of high living standards and developments in modern technology have significantly increased the usage of throwaway glass products. The use of these waste glass products in the production of construction materials (especially bricks) is ultimately very wholesome approach towards sustainable development. In this study, wasted glass up to 20% by weight was added to observe its impacts on bricks. The bricks containing powder glass were burnt along with ordinary bricks (with no powder glass) in same kiln and under same condition (type of fuel, temperature, duration etc.). The results illustrated that the properties of bricks vividly improved such as areal density, water absorption and efflorescence. The 20% increase of waste glass in the brick samples resulted in 14% decrease in areal density. The addition of fine powder glass filled the pores and reduced porosity of bricks. The substantial reduction in water absorption of 26.14% were observed with 20% addition of waste glass content. Also efflorescence was less in specimens having less quantity of waste glass burnt at higher temperatures. The present study presented a comprehensive analysis of waste glass as a mixing component for producing light weight sustainable bricks with improved water absorption properties.