Resource-saving potential of brick scrap from demolition of buildings

Abstract

The composition and properties of crushing products of brick scrap of different sizes were studied. It is shown that a large (5-40 mm) and small (0.16-5.0 mm) fraction of brick scrap crushing products may be of interest for replacing natural aggregates, while a pulverized (0-0.16 mm) fraction has pozzolanic activity. The presence of cement masonry mortar in the composition of products for crushing scrap brick walls of buildings is the main obstacle to their use as a large aggregate for light concrete: the average density of crushed brick grains in this case was 890 kg/m3, while for crushed cement grains - at least 1350 kg/m3. With an increase in the degree of crushing of these wastes, their material composition and physical properties are averaged and therefore more suitable for reuse in construction, including as a fine aggregate for mortars. The chemical and mineral composition of brick scrap, studied on the example of a dusty fraction, allows us to predict its good prospects for replacing natural mineral raw materials in the production of firing materials, for example, Portland cement. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.