Enhancing Compressive Strength and Sustainability – High-Performance Concrete with Fly Ash and Brick Waste Powder

Abstract

This study evaluated the compressive strength of various high-performance concretes (HPCs) formulated with recycled materials such as fly ash (FA) and waste brick powder (WBP) from brick manufacturing plants. Several combinations of these additives were explored to assess their impact on the compressive strength of HPC, with measurements taken at regular intervals after curing, and slump tests to assess the workability of the concrete. The results show that materials with a high specific surface area, in particular BWP_60, significantly improve the strength and workability of concrete. However, although BWP_90 brick powder increases workability, it does not significantly improve compressive strength, and its production is more energy-intensive. This research highlights the viability of using recycled materials to improve the properties of HPC while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices, with particular attention to the selection and optimisation of the types of materials used.

Keywords

• high performance concrete
• green building materials
• fly ash and brick waste powder
• specific surface area
• compressive strength and slump