Experimental investigation of the use of crushed clay brick on the properties of sustainable mortar

Abstract

Globally, millions of tons of construction waste are generated annually, primarily due to the booming construction sector. Among this waste, brick residues are the most prominent. This research aimed to study the properties of mortar with the partial substitution of fine aggregate by brick residues. An experimental methodology was used, involving mortar samples with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% brick residue content. These samples were subjected to both mortar and masonry tests. The results indicated that the mortar sample with 10% brick residue performed best. Compared to conventional mortar, this sample showed a 1.58% increase in compressive strength, a 3.99% increase in flexural strength, and a 15.61% increase in tensile strength in mortar tests. In masonry tests, the same sample demonstrated a 12.19% increase in compressive strength in prisms, a 33.20% increase in bond strength, and a 3.82% increase in diagonal compressive strength. In conclusion, substituting fine aggregate with up to 10% brick residues is feasible and optimally improves the mechanical properties of mortar.