In the heart of Turkey, researchers are breaking new ground in sustainable construction, and their findings could reshape how we build, particularly in the energy sector. Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp, a civil engineering professor at Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya, has been leading a team exploring the use of recycled crushed bricks (CBs) as a partial substitute for fine aggregates in concrete. Their work, recently published in *Advanced Materials Science Reviews* (translated from Turkish), offers a promising path towards more eco-friendly and efficient construction practices.
The team’s research focused on enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete by replacing fine aggregates with varying amounts of CBs. “We were particularly interested in understanding how different proportions of CBs would affect the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of concrete,” Onuralp explained. The results were striking. By replacing fine aggregates with CBs at levels ranging from 10% to 50%, the team observed significant improvements in the concrete’s mechanical properties. Compressive strength increased by up to 48.3%, splitting tensile strength by 28.2%, and flexural strength by 48.8% at the highest substitution level.
These enhancements are attributed to the pozzolanic nature and the shape of CB particles, which improve the interaction within the concrete mix. “The unique properties of crushed bricks contribute to a stronger, more durable concrete,” Onuralp noted. “This not only promotes sustainable construction practices but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing waste and preserving raw materials.”
The research didn’t stop at experimental analysis. The team also employed empirical regression, correlation, and artificial neural networks to model and predict the mechanical characteristics of concrete containing CBs. These modeling approaches proved accurate, offering valuable tools for future applications.
For the energy sector, the implications are substantial. As the industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint, the use of recycled materials like CBs in construction can play a pivotal role. “This research provides a blueprint for the energy sector to adopt more eco-efficient and responsible construction methods,” Onuralp said. “By incorporating recycled materials, we can minimize waste emissions and reduce the reliance on traditional, often more polluting, building materials.”
The study’s findings, published in *Advanced Materials Science Reviews*, highlight the potential for recycled crushed bricks to revolutionize concrete construction. As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, this research offers a compelling case for the energy sector to embrace innovative, eco-friendly materials. “The future of construction lies in our ability to innovate and adapt,” Onuralp concluded. “This research is a step in that direction, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to building.”