Fly ash bricks are a popular building material in the construction industry due to their durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. They are made by mixing fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, with water and a small amount of cement. However, the production of fly ash bricks results in the generation of a significant amount of waste materials, such as bottom ash, which is a non-combustible residue that accumulates at the bottom of the furnace during coal combustion.
To address this issue, researchers have been exploring the use of waste materials as partial replacements for the fly ash in the brick-making process. Waste materials such as bottom ash, waste foundry sand, and waste glass have been found to be suitable replacements for fly ash, without compromising the properties of the resulting bricks.
The use of waste materials in fly ash bricks has several advantages. First, it reduces the amount of waste generated by the brick-making process, making it more environmentally friendly. Second, it reduces the demand for fly ash, which is a finite resource, and therefore helps to conserve natural resources. Third, it reduces the cost of production, making fly ash bricks more affordable.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the properties of fly ash bricks with partial replacements of waste materials. For example, a study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Technology in India found that the compressive strength of fly ash bricks made with 20% bottom ash replacement was comparable to that of conventional fly ash bricks. Another study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi found that the use of waste foundry sand as a partial replacement for fly ash in the brick-making process improved the thermal insulation properties of the bricks.
In addition to investigating the properties of fly ash bricks with waste replacements, researchers have also studied the structural performance of masonry walls made with these bricks. Masonry walls are commonly used in construction, and their performance depends on the properties of the bricks used. Several studies have found that masonry walls made with fly ash bricks with waste replacements exhibit comparable or even better structural performance than walls made with conventional fly ash bricks.
For example, a study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee found that the compressive strength of masonry walls made with fly ash bricks with 30% bottom ash replacement was higher than that of walls made with conventional fly ash bricks. Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Western Sydney in Australia found that masonry walls made with fly ash bricks with waste replacements exhibited higher resistance to lateral loads than walls made with conventional fly ash bricks.
In conclusion, the use of waste materials as partial replacements for fly ash in the production of fly ash bricks has several advantages, including reduced waste generation, conservation of natural resources, and cost savings. Several studies have investigated the properties of fly ash bricks with waste replacements and found that they exhibit comparable or even better properties than conventional fly ash bricks. Furthermore, masonry walls made with these bricks have been found to exhibit comparable or better structural performance than walls made with conventional fly ash bricks. The use of waste materials in the production of fly ash bricks is therefore a promising approach for the construction industry.
