MALNAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

HASSAN 573201, KARNATAKA

(An Autonomous Institute under VTU,

Belgaum) DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING PRESENTATION ON
GEO POLYMERIZATION OF BRICKS
By
GAGAN D ARAVI 4MC21CV033
PUNYA L K 4MC21CV069
SANATH S RAYAR 4MC21CV084
SHIVAKUMAR 4MC21CV090

Under the guidance of

Ms. SIRI HEMANTH
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
CONTENT

 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 OBJECTIVES
 METERIALS COLLECTION
 MIX DESIGN
PROPORTIONS
 Future works
 Conclusion
 References
Abstract

The development of sustainable and environment-friendly geopolymer brick by utilizing solid industrial
waste materials such as fly ash, foundry sand, red mud, rice husk ash, mine tailings, and sugarcane
bagasse ash, respectively. Geopolymer bricks can be produced by the reaction between an
aluminosilicate source material and an alkaline solution. The source material can be naturally
occurring minerals like kaolinite, clays, etc. or by-product materials such as fly ash, slag, metakaolin,.
The sodium and potassium-based alkali material solution can be used as an alkali liquid.

Sometimes, the combinations of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and sodium silicate or
potassium silicate solutions or various combinations are used. The selection of raw materials for
geopolymer bricks depends on the availability, cost, and type of application. The geopolymer bricks
specimen prepared with various waste materials shows excellent mechanical strength (compressive
strength, flexural strength) and durability under harsh environments. To manufacture and use bricks
from various waste materials on a large scale in a sustainable manner, more research and development
are needed. This includes work on standardization, public education about waste reuse and recycling,
government policies , etc . Emits less carbon footprints and green house gases.
INTRODUCTIO
N
Bricks are rectangular blocks typically made from clay,
concrete, or other materials, used as building units for
construction. They are among the oldest and most
common construction materials in the world, known for
their durability, strength, and versatility.

In modern construction, bricks remain a popular

material due to their durability, fire resistance, and
thermal insulation properties. Sustainable brick-making
processes, such as the use of fly ash bricks and recycled
materials, are now being developed to reduce the
environmental impact of traditional brick-making.
 Literature Review
Author name Year Title Method Result

Safeer Abbas, 2017 Production of Sustainable Wet bricks were dried in open air for 4-5 days, then This research paper investigates the feasibility of using
Muhammad A. Saleem, Clay Bricks using Waste Fly fired in a kiln at 800°C for three days, and removed fly ash as a binding agent in the production of
Syed M.S. Ash after 20 days. Mechanical properties were tested as sustainable bricks. It discusses the mechanical
per ASTM C67. Brick specimens were oven-dried for
24 hours, weighed, and tested for compressive properties, durability, and environmental benefits
strength.

 SOIL
Xin Kang , Yuxiang Gan , April 2021  Sustainable
WASTE FOUNDRY
eco friendly SAND
Three powders (ST/FA/MK) were mixed in mass ratios utilizing slate tailings
Renpeng Chen bricks from slate tailings of 50:45:5 to 90:5:5, with alkali and water addThe as a raw material for synthesis bricks through geo
paste was molded into 50x50 mm cylinders under 5
 FLY ASH
through Geo
polymerization
MPa pressure, cured at room temperature for 7, 14,
and 28 daysed before blending for 10 minutes.
polymerization.
Considering the low content of silica and alumina in
slate tailings.
 ALKALI ACTIVATORS LIKE
Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
DaliaTarek,Marwa 2022 Energy Efficiency Coupled lightweight bricks using sustainable materials, As a result, a wide variety of light-weight bricks to
Elnagar,Hesha with Lightweight Bricks : optimizing their composition for thermal insulation reduce the
Sameh,Ayman Towards and mechanical strength.The results were analyzed to interior's vulnerability to heat stress.
determine the most sustainable and energy-efficient
Yousef,Ayman Ragab Sustainable Building brick composition
Molla Rahman Shaibur , 2021 Utilization of cow dung residues Cow dung residues from biogas Biogas production saved time to collect firewood for family
Humaira Husain ,Samsul Huda of biogas plant for sustainable plants improve soil fertility, energy members and helped markedly for efficient management of
Arpon. developmentof a rural supply, and eco-friendly construction livestock and bio-slurry served as effective nutrient rich organic
community. materials. fertilizer. This also saved the cost of purchasing chemical
fertilizer.

Remy Morris

206-555-0146
Hilal.A.S , P. 11 November Development of Eco Brick and Eco brick and concrete use cow dung The accomplishment of cow dung ash when combined with
Magudeaswaran . 2017 Concrete with the partially [email protected]
as partial replacement, enhancing concrete while immensely limited by its low
replacement of Cow dung sustainability and reducing waste. compressive strength .cow dung ash concrete can be made to
contact m perform well in certain floor and wall applications.

info www.contoso.com

H Y Jaramillo, J A Gómez 2019 Eco-brick for construction with Eco-brick development focuses on This eco-brick proves to have a great capacity to support axial
Camperos, and W Guevara. improved physical and alternative materials to enhance loads, thus satisfying the demand for
mechanical properties. strength, durability, insulation, and non-polluting masonry products, aiding the sustainability of
sustainability. the environment.

J. Saravanan a,b,, P. 2023 Past investigations on Research has focused on eco-friendly Following are the important findings:
Venkateswara Rao. development of sustainable materials, energy-efficient * Based on manufacturing process adopted, two major types
bricks. production, and reducing emissions of bricks
in brick manufacturing. are there: fired and unfired (cementitious) bricks.
 OBJECTIVE
 To S economical bricks than
manufacture the
conventional brick.
 Minimization of Carbon Emissions and alkali
activators helps to absorb carbon dioxide from
atmosphere like potassium hydroxide and
potassium silicate.
 To decrease infertility of land.
 Cost-Effective Manufacturing.
 Reduction of Landfill by usage of
Waste
industrial wastages .
 Enhanced Mechanical Properties
 MATERIALS COLLECTION

 SOIL
 WASTE FOUNDRY SAND
 FLY ASH
 ALKALI ACTIVATORS LIKE
Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
METHODOLOGY Methodology

COLLECTION OF RAW
MATERIALS

PREPARATION OF MORTAR

MOULDING

DRYING

BURNING IN KILNS

TESTS ON BRICKS
Figure: Soil used in bricks Figure: Waste foundry sand

Figure: Fly ash Figure: Potassium Hydroxide

FOUNDRY SAND
Foundry sand is valuable in brick manufacturing as it enhances the strength and
durability of bricks while promoting eco-friendly recycling of industrial
byproducts. Its fine texture improves moldability and reduces the need for virgin
sand, making it a cost-effective material.

FLY ASH
Fly ash is crucial in brick manufacturing as it improves the strength,
durability, and thermal insulation of bricks while reducing their
weight. Additionally, it promotes sustainability by utilizing industrial
waste, lowering the need for natural clay, and reducing carbon
emissions.

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE(KOH)
Potassium hydroxide is important in brick manufacturing for its role in enhancing
the binding properties of clay and improving the brick's strength and durability. It
also aids in controlling the pH levels during the manufacturing process, ensuring
consistent quality and performance.
MIX DESIGN PROPORTION
Since no specifications procedures were available the following criteria was set in developing the
mix proportions. 2% increase in the alkali reagents were subsequently done. The mould weighs
around 3kg of soil by mass.
SAMPLE WASTE FLY ASH SOIL POTASSIUM
FOUNDRY HYDROXIDE
SAND [KOH]
A 40% 10% 50% 0%

B 26% 20% 52% 2%

C 26% 15% 55% 4%

D 32% 5% 57% 6%

E 23% 10% 59% 8%

TEST CONDUCTED ON SOIL AND FOUNDRY
SAND

TESTS FOUNDRY SAND SOIL

SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.617 23

FINESS MODULUS 2.1 1.2

WATER ABSORPTION 2.617 4.54

PARTICLE BELOW 7µm 8.67% 23%

MOISTURE CONTENT 4.7% 9.3%

DENSITY(Kg/m3) 634g 1300

Mixing of ingredients
Future works to be carried out on Bricks
Physical Tests 1. Visual Inspection Test
• Purpose: Check for shape, color, surface finish, and cracks.
• Standard: Uniform shape and free from visible defects.
2. Dimension Test o Purpose: Verify size uniformity according to standard brick
dimensions (e.g., 190x90x90 mm).
• Tool: Vernier caliper or scale.
3. Water Absorption Test o Purpose: Determines the brick's porosity.
• Procedure: Weigh dry brick → immerse in water for 24 hrs → weigh again.
• Standard: Should not exceed 20% (for standard bricks).
4. Efflorescence Test o Purpose: Check for salt content (white patches).
Procedure: Place brick in shallow water and observe after drying.
Mechanical Tests
1. Compressive Strength Test
• Purpose: Assess load-bearing capacity.
2. Hardness Test
• Purpose: Assess resistance to scratching.
3. Impact Test (Drop Test) o Purpose: Checks resistance to sudden shocks.
• Procedure: Drop brick from 1 meter height; it should not break into pieces.
Durability and Thermal Tests
1. Soundness Test
• Purpose: Ensure structural integrity.
2. Thermal Conductivity Test (Optional for eco-bricks)
• Purpose: Measures insulation properties.
3. Fire Resistance Test (Optional)
Chemical Tests (Important for alkali-activated or fly ash bricks)
1. pH Test
2. Chemical Composition Test
Purpose: Analyze silica, alumina, lime, iron oxide, and alkali content. o Tool: XRF (X-ray fluorescence) or lab-
based tests.
Conclusion ION

 Utilization of waste foundry sand, fly ash, and alkali reagents in the manufacturing of sustainable bricks
presents a promising approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable
construction practices.
 Sustainable bricks manufactured using waste foundry sand, fly ash, and alkali reagents offer a viable
solution to the environmental and economic challenges faced by the construction industry.
 By promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability, these bricks
contribute to the development of greener and more resilient built environments.
 However, further research and development are needed to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance
product performance, and encourage widespread adoption of sustainable brick technologies.
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