Analysis of brick waste as thick aggregate for concrete manufacture

Abstract

Taking into account that the brick industry is classified by technical and economic aspects, two samples of brick ceramic waste from the technical industry and two from the artisanal industry were selected in order to evaluate their crystalline phases by means of XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and physical properties by means of granulometric analysis, determination of density, water absorption, unit masses, shape and losses by calcination, based on colombian technical standards, to provide a route of use to these residues, through their applicability as coarse aggregates in the manufacture of concrete. Subsequently, a single sample of recycled aggregate was selected, which corresponded to a technified industry, which exhibited better properties for the design of a concrete mix, varying its proportion to 5%, 10% and 20% in weight of natural coarse aggregate by recycled aggregate, and thus establish its mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and flexural strength with respect to a standard mixture whose totality of aggregates are natural. Considering this, the morphology of the fracture surfaces was also evaluated by SEM characterization (Scanning Electron Microscopy), colorimetry and physical properties of the hardened concrete. The results of the tests indicate that it is feasible to use shredded recycled brick as a coarse aggregate in the manufacture of concrete, as long as it does not exceed 20% by weight of the natural coarse aggregate.