Alumina filler waste as clay replacement material for unfired brick production

This paper presents the results of an investigation for the application of alumina filler wastes and coal ash waste for unfired brick production. Mechanical test and durability assessment were carried out on unfired brick test specimens made using marl clay soil and alumina filler waste as a target material, and 70% mix of coal ash waste were used as commercials additive (Portland cement and Lime) replacement. The laboratory results demonstrate that the compressive strength resistance of the unfired bricks reduced as the clay replacement level increased. The unfired brick test specimens made with the blended mixtures containing coal ash waste and lime tended to achieve higher strength values when compared with the coal ash waste and Portland cement blends. The unfired brick test specimens were able to withstand the repeated 48-hour freezing/thawing cycles. The results obtained suggest that there is potential to manufacture unfired bricks from alumina filler waste and coal ash waste.