Development of sustainable sandcrete bricks using industrial and agricultural waste

The search for sustainable construction materials has initiated the investigation of alternative binders to partially substitute cement in sandcrete brick manufacturing. This research examines how Saw Dust Ash (SDA) and Banana Leaf Ash (BLA) can partially replace cement in sandcrete brick manufacturing to produce sustainable building materials. Environmental pollution arises from improper management of agro-industrial wastes. Construction use of these materials leads to improved sustainability practices while simultaneously decreasing the carbon footprint associated with traditional cement-based materials. The study integrated Saw Dust Ash and Banana Leaf Ash into sandcrete bricks through different replacement levels from 0 to 25%. The mix design adhered to standard guidelines which maintained correct amounts of cement, SDA, BLA, sand, and water to reach optimal workability and strength. After casting and curing the bricks under controlled conditions, they underwent mechanical and durability testing. With a compressive strength value of 4.281 MPa, Bricks incorporating 8% SDA-BLA replacement demonstrated improved compressive strength development throughout the testing period because of the pozzolanic activity exhibited by the ashes. Durability tests showed that SDA-BLA-modified bricks matched the performance of conventional sandcrete bricks in water absorption tests, with a water absorption value of 9.119%. SDA-BLA bricks achieved the required structural performance standards according to flexural strength test results. Although SDA-BLA bricks demonstrated reduced early-age strength levels, they achieved superior long-term strength through secondary hydration reactions. Economic evaluations showed that manufacturing SDA-BLA sandcrete bricks costs about as much as producing conventional bricks which positions them as a financially feasible sustainable substitute within the construction industry. This research establishes that SDA and BLA function effectively as partial cement substitutes in sandcrete brick manufacturing which supports eco-friendly building practices alongside waste management and sustainable development.