Work

Utilization of Brick Powder in Blended Cement Compositions: Rheological, Mechanical, and Microstructural Properties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing demand for eco-efficient construction materials has driven the development of low-clinker cement systems incorporating recycled mineral additives. Finely ground brick powder represents one of such materials with high pozzolanic potential. This article presents an experimental study on the effect of partially replacing slag cement CEM III and ordinary rapid-hardening cement CEM I with brick powder waste of different chemical compositions and fineness levels (63, 32, and 15 µm) on the physical and mechanical properties of blended cement mortars. Compressive and flexural strengths were determined at 2, 7, and 28 days, along with the strength activity index (SAI). Additionally, the setting times and standard consistency were investigated, with the latter showing a correlation with the workability of fresh mortars. Comprehensive microstructural analysis (TGA, SEM, EDX) confirmed the pozzolanic activity of the brick powder, which was manifested by the formation of C-S-H and C-A-S-H phases. The highest strength characteristics were achieved with a 15% replacement of cement by brick powder with a fineness of 32 μm and an increased SiO2 content (63.06%). Comparative analysis with fly ash- and silica fume-modified mortars revealed that brick powder exhibits comparable performance, confirming its suitability as an active mineral additive.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18225120

Authors: Vitalii Kryzhanovskyi, Jeanette Orlowsky, Jan Skocek, Marina Macias Barrientos

Institutions: TU Dortmund University, HeidelbergCement (Germany)

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137