Investigation on fired clay bricks by replacing clay with recycled glass and sludge ash

Abstract

Depositing the solid waste generated by wastewater treatment in landfills presents an environmental problem due to the leaching of nitrogen and subsequent eutrophication and contamination of aquafers. Glass is a material with a wide array of uses which is often disposed of after completing its use. This study evaluates an alternative to the production of bricks by replacing clay for recycled glass and sludge ash in proportions of 10% and 20%. The physical properties of the fabricated bricks (compressive strength, water absorption, and the initial rate of absorption) were then measured. The temperature used in the firing process was 950 °C. The fabricated bricks utilizing the proposed mixtures complied with the Colombian technical code for structural and non-structural brick exceeding 20 MPa. This alternative method of brick fabrication reduces the environmental impact of glass and solid waste on the ecosystem and reduce freshwater contamination. It will also solve the issue of the sludge waste produced by wastewater treatment plants.