ENHANCING THE PROPERTIES OF ECO-FRIENDLY COMPRESSED INTERLOCKING BRICKS

Abstract

This research aims to minimize the adverse environmental impact of the fired brick industry, and thus compressed interlocking bricks were investigated for various factors like compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and overall cost of construction. Compressed bricks are a well-rounded substitute for fire bricks, as no brining process is required in their making, the construction process is easier and saves on cost in many ways. The Malaysian compressed interlocking brick shape was investigated. With the industry standard compressed brick using 15.3 % cement by weight in each brick this was reduced by the addition of lime in conjecture with varying percentages of cement. A new mix design was proposed that yielded positive results, with 7% cement, 3% lime, 50% soil, and 40% sand brick being the best overall contender. Compressed bricks also showed positive results in terms of thermal conductivity when compared with fired bricks, conducting substantially less heat. The overall cost of constriction was reduced by 34% when compared with fired bricks.