In the heart of Kuwait, researchers are breathing new life into old bricks, and their findings could reshape how we think about construction waste and seismic resilience. Erion Luga, a professor at the College of Engineering and Technology at the American University of the Middle East, has been leading an experimental study that could have significant implications for the construction industry, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity.
Luga and his team have been exploring the potential of recycled solid bricks, recovered from demolished structures, to be reused as infill in reinforced concrete (RC) frames and as standalone walls. Their work, published in the journal ‘Buildings’ (which translates to ‘Здания’ in Russian), offers a compelling look at how we might build more sustainably and resiliently in the future.
The study involved testing five full-scale panels—bare, 50% infilled, and 100% infilled frames—under diagonal compression, simulating in-plane seismic loading. The results were striking. Fully infilled frames exhibited a 149% increase in diagonal shear strength, but a 40% reduction in ductility relative to the bare frame. This trade-off between stiffness and deformation capacity is a crucial finding, highlighting the need for careful design considerations when using recycled masonry.
“Reusing cleaned demolition bricks reduces the demand for new fired bricks and helps divert construction waste from landfill,” Luga explained. This is a significant step towards sustainable and circular construction, a growing priority in the energy sector where reducing carbon footprints is paramount.
The team also employed finite element simulations using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model, which reproduced the experimental load–displacement curves with close agreement and captured the main failure patterns. This numerical validation adds a layer of confidence to the experimental results, suggesting that the findings can be reliably applied in real-world scenarios.
So, what does this mean for the future of construction? The potential is substantial. By reusing recycled masonry, we can reduce the environmental impact of new construction projects, divert waste from landfills, and potentially lower costs associated with material procurement. Moreover, the enhanced shear strength observed in the fully infilled frames could lead to more resilient structures in seismic zones, a critical consideration for safety and durability.
However, the reduction in ductility cannot be overlooked. As Luga’s research suggests, there is a delicate balance to strike between stiffness and deformation capacity. Future developments in this field will likely focus on addressing these ductility limitations, perhaps through innovative design approaches or supplementary reinforcement techniques.
In the broader context, this research aligns with the growing trend towards circular economy principles in construction. By reusing and recycling materials, we can create a more sustainable built environment, reducing the demand for virgin resources and minimizing waste.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, studies like Luga’s will play a pivotal role in shaping best practices and guidelines. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of recycled masonry but also pave the way for more sustainable and resilient construction methods. In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, this research offers a promising path forward.