EXPERIMENTAL BENEFICIATION APPROACH TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF BRICK RECYCLED AGGREGATE IN CEMENT MORTAR

Abstract

The increasing volume of construction and demolition waste (CDW) poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective recycling strategies to promote sustainable development in the construction sector in India. This paper examines the current state of CDW management, particularly focusing on brick waste, which is a major contributor to the overall waste generated in country. The study explores experimental techniques to enhance the properties of recycled aggregates, including water absorption and efflorescence tests, conducted according to established IS codes. From CDW, brick waste was derived as fine aggregates. Prior literature results indicated that brick aggregates (BA) exhibit higher water absorption due to their porous structure, highlighting the need for effective treatment methods. Different surface treatment slurries, such as cement, fly ash, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), were applied considering the Beneficiation approach to brick aggregates to improve their performance.
Utilizing treated 3 types of aggregates, mortar cubes were casted, and results are then compared to cubes casted using conventional sand and brick aggregate without any coating. The compressive strength result of GGBS coated brick aggregates at 28 days compared with sand and BA shows 5.57 % and 29.17 % more respectively. Fly ash and cement-coated aggregated performed comparatively lesser results than GGBS coating. Similar results are observed for water absorption and GGBS aggregates as the findings underscore the potential of utilizing recycled materials in construction, contributing to resource conservation and environmental protection. This research advocates for a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing materials to mitigate the adverse effects of CDW on the environment.