Utilization of Brick Powder in Blended Cement Compositions: Rheological, Mechanical, and Microstructural Properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Growing demand for eco-efficient construction materials.
• Need for low-clinker cement systems using recycled additives.
• Brick powder as a pozzolanic material.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate brick powder's impact on cement mortar properties.
• Investigate effects of chemical composition and fineness.
• Compare brick powder with other mineral additives.

Main Methods:

• Partial replacement of CEM I and CEM III with brick powder (15%).
• Testing physical and mechanical properties (strength, setting time, consistency).
• Microstructural analysis (TGA, SEM, EDX).

Main Results:

• Brick powder exhibited pozzolanic activity, forming C-S-H and C-A-S-H phases.
• Optimal strength achieved with 15% replacement, 32 μm fineness, and high SiO2.
• Brick powder showed comparable performance to fly ash and silica fume.

Conclusions:

• Brick powder is a suitable active mineral additive for blended cements.
• Partially replacing cement with brick powder improves mortar performance.
• Brick powder contributes to eco-efficient construction materials development.