ADVANCING ECOLOGICAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: UTILISING ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE BRICKS TO PROMOTE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Abstract

The production of conventional bricks has historically been a fundamental aspect of the construction industry. The clay mining in Thaulla area of village tanks have some devastating impacts on the sustainability of the tank cascade systems. This study aimed to identify alternative materials that can serve as substitutes for sustain- able brick production. This investigation focused on waste materials, including indus- trial, sludge, coal ash, plastic, and glass wastes. These materials are being studied because of the potential to reduce the environmental impact of brick manufacturing. A comprehensive review was conducted, research from academic journals on sustain- able bricks from previous five decades to 2023. An essential component of the study focuses on analysing the proportions of various waste materials in the manufacturing process. The analysis revealed considerable variation in the optimal ratios of waste materials, likely influenced by their distinct chemical compositions. The essential characteristics of these sustainable bricks are their compressive strength and water absorption. The firing methods continue to be the main approach in brick manufac- turing. The study also investigates alternative techniques such as calcium-silicate-hy- drate (CSH) and geopolymer-based bricks. These alternatives have the capacity to decrease energy usage, thereby aligning with the necessity to diminish the construc- tion sector's carbon footprint. Sustainable bricks have the potential to tackle the urgent environmental concerns associated with the production of traditional bricks. By stud- ying alternative manufacturing techniques, particularly those that eliminate the use of cement or lime in the production of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) bricks, the sus- tainability of the brick industry can be further improved. The shift towards integrating sustainable bricks into large-scale industrial operations is a complex undertaking, re- quiring meticulous deliberation and cooperation among all parties involved. It func- tions as a vital endeavour that fosters an environmentally conscious and responsible construction sector.