Utilization of marble dust and steel slag from industrial waste to produce non-fired environment friendly construction bricks

Brick kilns producing clay bricks are located in or around the urban areas of Pakistan, causing community health hazard. This study investigated the use of industrial waste such as marble dust (MD) and steel slag (SS) to produce unfired, environmental friendly bricks. Various mixtures containing gypsum, lime and MD or SS were prepared, in different ratios in the laboratory. The setting time, compressive strength, water absorption and saturation coefficient of research bricks were determined. These bricks attained compressive strength superior to conventional burnt clay bricks in less than 7 days. However, water absorption of all the research bricks exceeded the permissible limits set by Indian and American standards. In conclusion, use of MD and SS as clay substitute is promising for making environment friendly, low cost bricks having sufficient strength for use in construction industry. Further testing of brick mixtures and water absorption properties is required before commercial preparation.