Valorization of Crushed Glass as a Potential Replacement for Sand in Cement Stabilized Fly Ash Bricks

Abstract

The present study involved the utilization of crushed glass as an auxiliary additive in the manufacture of cement stabilized fly ash (CSF) bricks. The bricks were made with 1:1 proportion of fly ash and sand stabilized with 20 % cement. Crushed glass was used as replacement for the fine aggregate in increments of 10 % up to 40 % wherein the sand was completely replaced with crushed glass. The various mix proportions were then moulded into bricks with the addition of water by hand moulding method of forming the bricks and sun dried followed by sprinkle curing over a period of 21 days. The bricks were then subjected to compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence tests to gauge its performance. The investigation revealed that the addition of crushed glass to the brick mix resulted in an increase in strength of the bricks, however, the maximum strength achieved could not achieve the strength of the control specimen. But the strength was higher than the minimum strength recommended by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for stabilized blocks as well as burnt bricks. It also reduced the water absorption marginally while no efflorescence was seen in any of the combinations. A cost comparison revealed that the optimal combination with crushed glass was able reduce the cost of the brick by 20 %.

Keywords

• low cost bricks
• fly ash
• cement
• sand
• crushed glass