Development of eco-friendly fired clay bricks incorporated with granite and eggshell wastes

In this study, we explored the effective reuse of granite powder (GP) and eggshell powder (ESP) wastes for the production of clay bricks as an alternative waste disposal method while improving the properties of the fired clay bricks (FCBs). Furthermore, the utilization of wastes is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and degradation due to exceedingly waste disposal and landfill construction. The study investigated the influence of granite waste, eggshell powder, and firing temperature on the physical-mechanical properties of the FCBs. Four batches of bricks were produced with varying compositions of clay, GP, ESP, and were fired to three different temperatures of 900, 1000, and 1100 °C at a ramp rate of 10 °C/min. Microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical characterization were carried out by FTIR, SEM/EDS, XRF and XRD respectively. The results obtained showed that the FCBs incorporated with 20% of GP and 10% of ESP produced the highest compressive strength of 3.12 MPa, bulk density of 1.76 g/cm3 and water absorption of 12.2% at 900 °C which is regarded as energy-saving process for the manufacture of FCBs. The compressive strength of 3.12 MPa exceeded the minimum compressive strength of 1.65 MPa standard as recommended by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Nigerian Building Code and Nigerian Industrial Standards for building purposes. Therefore, the reuse of granite and eggshell powder from waste for the manufacture of FCBs is feasible and an effective alternative waste disposal solution for sustainable development while alleviating environmental pollution and degradation.