Utilization of Recycled Brick Powder as Supplementary Cementitious Materials-A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Growing environmental concerns in the cement industry drive research into alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).
• Construction and demolition waste, particularly from bricks, presents a significant recycling challenge.
• Utilizing waste brick powder (WBP) as an SCM offers a sustainable solution for waste management and cement reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the impact of waste brick powder (WBP) on the mechanical and durability properties of cement mortar and concrete.
• To identify key factors influencing the performance of WBP-blended cementitious materials.
• To establish optimal parameters for the effective use of WBP as a partial cement replacement.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating WBP in cement mortar and concrete.
• Analysis of factors such as WBP particle size, replacement percentage, pozzolanic activity, and mineralogy.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties (e.g., compressive strength) and durability aspects.

Main Results:

• WBP properties significantly influence the performance of blended mortars and concretes.
• Optimal WBP particle size ranges from 100 µm to 25 µm.
• A cement replacement level of 10-20% with WBP positively impacts compressive strength.
• A minimum curing period of 28 days is essential for developing the pozzolanic reaction and achieving optimal benefits.

Conclusions:

• Waste brick powder is a viable supplementary cementitious material for sustainable construction.
• Careful control of WBP characteristics (particle size, replacement ratio) and curing conditions is crucial for maximizing its benefits.
• Further research can optimize WBP utilization for enhanced concrete performance and reduced environmental impact.