Development of sustainable construction material using construction and demolition waste

Construction and demolition of old structures generates large quantity of masonry waste in urban areas. This waste is generally diverted towards landfill. In the present study, a sustainable construction material (brick) using construction and demolition (C&D) waste is developed. Cement and fly ash are used as binder and C&D waste is used as fine and coarse aggregates. Construction and demolition waste bricks (eco-bricks) of size 230 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm are developed for the six different compositions (BR90-1 to BR90-6). Physico-mechanical tests (block density, compressive strength and water absorption) are carried out as per Indian standards and embodied energy for the considered compositions is estimated. The test results are compared to commercially available fly ash bricks. The eco-bricks that achieved the least embodied energy is considered as the best combination of sustainable construction material. Amongst the various trials carried out the brick BR90-6 with the ratio of binder, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate as 1:2.75:2.25 exhibit compressive strength and water absorption within the limits of Indian standards with minimum self weight and embodied energy. The developed sustainable product can be practically implemented over any specific location by the manufacturer which serves the purpose of solid waste management.