In the heart of Baghdad, a groundbreaking study is turning construction waste into a valuable resource, potentially reshaping the future of sustainable building materials. Baraa A. Albakry, a researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Baghdad, has been exploring the use of recycled brick waste as sand in reactive-powder-concrete (R-P-C), a high-strength, durable material used in construction. His findings, published in the *Journal of Engineering* (translated from Arabic), could have significant implications for the energy sector and sustainable construction practices.
Albakry’s research focuses on two sustainable R-P-C mixtures, BM15 and BM30, which incorporate 15% and 30% brick waste sand (BS) respectively, as a volume replacement for traditional sand. The study also examines the impact of various curing techniques on the mechanical strength of these mixtures. The results are promising, with the high temperature + normal curing method showing the most significant improvements in compressive strength.
“The high temperature + normal curing was the most effective curing method for all mixtures,” Albakry explains. “We saw improvements of up to 18.53% in compressive strength at 28 days for the reference mixture.” Moreover, the sustainable R-P-C mixtures exhibited higher compressive strength than the reference mixture, with improvements up to 15.39% at 28 days, accompanied by proportional improvements in splitting tensile and flexural strengths.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from the development of sustainable, high-strength building materials. As the world shifts towards greener practices, the demand for eco-friendly construction materials is on the rise. Albakry’s findings could pave the way for the widespread adoption of recycled brick waste in concrete production, reducing the environmental footprint of construction projects and lowering costs.
“This research is a step towards a more sustainable future,” Albakry says. “By reusing waste materials, we can reduce the environmental impact of construction and contribute to a circular economy.”
The study’s findings also highlight the importance of proper curing techniques in enhancing the mechanical strength of sustainable R-P-C mixtures. This could lead to the development of new curing technologies and methods, further improving the performance of sustainable building materials.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, Albakry’s research serves as a reminder of the potential that lies in waste materials. By turning trash into treasure, we can build a more sustainable future, one brick at a time. The publication of these findings in the *Journal of Engineering* marks a significant milestone in this journey, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable construction.