Drava river sediment in clay brick production: Characterization, properties, and environmental performance. (15th July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Božič, Mojca; Žibret, Lea; Kvočka, Davor; Pranjić, Alenka Mauko; Gregorc, Boštjan; Ducman, Vilma
• Is Part Of: Journal of building engineering. Volume 71(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07-15
• Subjects: River sediment -- Clay bricks -- Waste material -- Pilot production -- LCA; Building -- Periodicals; 690.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-7102

Abstract

Abstract: The ever-growing worldwide demand for fired clay brick has resulted in the shortage of clay in many parts of the world. Therefore, there is a need to look for more sustainable alternative materials for the brick manufacturing. This study has investigated the potential use of the untreated Drava River sediment as a substitute material for clay in the production of fired bricks, with the research being conducted at both laboratory and industrial level. At the laboratory level, brick specimens were prepared by mixing clay with different river sediment proportions (ranging from 10 to 50 wt%) and were fired at 950 °C, with microstructural and various physical–mechanical properties being analyzed. Elevated carbonate content in Drava river sediment results in higher weight loss during firing at temperatures up to 950 °C, comparing to firing pure brick-making clay. Consequently, the addition of sediment increases porosity of fired bricks, which results in lowering of their mechanical properties. Results reveal that the compressive strength of the pure clay sample was 79.5 MPa, while the compressive strength of the sample with the addition of river sediment from 10 wt% to 50 wt% decreased from 73.9 MPa to 26.2 MPa, respectively. Despite the lower compressive strength, the 26.2 MPa is still above the limit value of 10 MPa specified in the standard EN 772–1 [1]. At the industrial level, hollow clay bricks were prepared with 20 wt% of the river sediment and fired in a tunnel kiln. Inclusion of the river sediment also decreased compressive strength from 38 MPa for pure mixture to 26 MPa for 20 wt% of the sediment addition, confirming usability of Drava sediment in brick production. In addition, LCA study has been conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the industrial production of classic bricks and bricks with the addition of the river sediment. The obtained results have shown that the bricks made with the addition of the Drava River sediment are sustainable and environmentally friendly and meet all the requirements specified in the relevant regulatory standard. Highlights: Due to their properties river sediments can serve as raw material for clay based sector. Laboratory investigation confirmed potential replacement of virgin clay with sediment in the amount of up to 30 mass %. Industrial pilot production with 20 mass % of replacement resulted with clay bricks which meet the requirements of EN 771–1. LCA analysis has shown the benefits of such replacement.