Comparing Crushed Brick as Coarse Aggregate Substitute in Concrete: Experimental vs. Numerical Study

As building construction speeds up, demolitions will increase due to concrete’s limited lifespan ultimately ending in demolition. In earthquake-prone countries like Nepal, buildings may collapse during earthquakes, leading to the disposal of bricks creating potential environmental pollution. This research explores the use of Crushed Brick Aggregate (CBA), obtained as a replacement for Natural Coarse Aggregate (NCA) in concrete. Laboratory tests of concrete underwent compressive and tensile strength tests, while the aggregate underwent sieve analysis, impact, abrasion, and water absorption tests. Similarly, cement was subjected to tests for w/c ratio, setting time, and consistency. Employing ABAQUS software for numerical modeling, an analysis of how the concrete responds to various pressures has also been conducted. Substituting NCA with CBA at 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weights, the study finds that up to 20% replacement maintains comparable strength, offering potential application in construction. The research emphasizes reusing bricks in construction instead of discarding them, which reduces waste and enhances resource recycling and conservation, ultimately promoting global sustainability. This encourages engineers, and researchers to develop eco-friendly concrete using recycled materials. The limitations encompass durability concerns, water absorption, and project cost. Furthermore, researchers may investigate how the chemical composition of bricks affects concrete strength.