Recycled brick as an alternative material for the manufacture of masonry

Abstract

The construction industry is responsible for 75% of the consumption of the earth's natural resources and its waste represents 50% of the volume disposed of in landfills, generating negative impacts for the economy, society and the environment. In the city of Cuenca, a monthly average of 25,000 m3 of debris is recorded. Brick and concrete represent 75% of construction waste. The objective of this research is to determine the volume of discarded brick and its technical characteristics, to constitute it as an alternative material in the manufacture of a masonry element, contributing to the reduction of the consumption of natural resources and environmental pollution. This research is of a mixed type, (quantitative and qualitative) experimental that collects data provided by the expert builders of the College of Architects of Azuay through a digital survey and the review of bibliographic information. As a result, the 1,250 buildings built by these professionals generate 656.25 m3 of discarded brick per year, being considered an alternative material for the manufacture of the new masonry element. Based on the reviewed bibliography, 2 types of blocks were made, replacing the pumice material with crushed brick. The blocks that replaced 30% of the coarse aggregate (Type B) increased their weight by 15% and maintained their compressive strength and met the requirement demanded by the Ecuadorian Technical Standard and the demands of this research; while those that replaced 100% of the powder volume obtained unsatisfactory results, their weight was similar, but their compressive strength was reduced to 47%. The manufacture of 60 Type B blocks will save 0.18 m3 of natural material and their use in a 150 m2 house will avoid the natural exploitation of 15 m3 of natural material.