Strength Analysis of Fly Ash and Papercrete Bricks Instead of Clay Bricks: Looking Forward to a More Economically and Environmentally Sound Material in Building Construction

Abstract

Bricks made from clay are a fundamental and ubiquitous component of any structural design. The most fertile soil is typically found on expansive plains and fields, and this is where clay is typically sourced from. It serves a variety of important functions in agriculture. A greater quantity of waste paper is sent to landfills and dumped every day than gets recycled. Paper scraps can be utilized in one of two ways to make bricks. In addition to being lightweight, which facilitates simplicity of use, the paper might be used as a brick material to increase the sustainability of solid waste management. Large quantities of fly ash are piling up near thermal power stations, posing major threats to local ecosystems. The major goal of this study is to reduce environmental pollution by using waste paper and fly ash to make bricks. Then, compare the compressive strength and cost of fly ash bricks and papercrete bricks. Fly ash and papercrete bricks at six different proportions in the ratios of 1:1:0.5, 1:1:1, 1:1:1.5, 1:1:2, 1:1:2.5 and 1:1:3 have been carried out. Fly ash, and papercrete breaks are nearly equivalent in strength, but papercrete bricks are more expensive. Both in terms of compressive strength and cost, fly ash bricks are better than papercrete bricks.