Research progress on recycled clay brick waste as an alternative to cement for sustainable construction materials

•Recycled brick powder (RBP) can be obtained by crushing and grinding the brick waste.•RBP can be used as a partial replacement for cement in cementitious materials.•The effects of RBP on fresh, hardened and microstructural properties of cementitious materials are discussed.•Using RBP in cementitious materials saves natural resources and enables a cleaner environment. Brick waste is a major part of the solid waste generated by construction and demolition activities around the world, and its disposal consumes land and pollutes the environment. At the same time, cement is the main raw material in cement-based materials. Cement production consumes resources and produces greenhouse gases, so is also not environmentally friendly. In this context, grinding brick waste into recycled brick powder (RBP) and using it instead of cement to produce sustainable construction materials is considered a feasible method. Therefore, based on the existing research, this paper reviews the fresh, mechanical, shrinkage, durability and microstructural properties of cement-based materials when RBP partially replaces Portland cement. The literature shows that RBP is rich in SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and has pozzolanic activity. The workability, mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials can be improved to a certain extent by adding an appropriate amount of RBP (5%-15%). It is therefore considered a potential raw material for replacing Portland cement in cement-based materials. The utilization of RBP not only saves a large amount of land occupied by piled brick waste but also reduces the dependence of the concrete industry on Portland cement. It can guarantee the sustainability of construction materials and promote prosperity worldwide.