Boosting mortar performance: use of recycled brick sand for enhanced mechanical properties

The construction industry is constantly seeking ways to become more sustainable. One area of exploration is mortar technology, where researchers are looking at replacing traditional components with alternative materials and adding a superplasticizer to improve mechanical strength and reduce the use of natural resources. The present study focuses on substituting brick waste sand in mortar at different replacement ratios of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. The main objective is to investigate the effect of this substitution material on the properties of the mortar. The researchers have conducted compression and flexural tensile tests on prismatic specimens (4 x 4 x 16 cm³) at various curing periods (2, 7, and 28 days). The results showed that replacing 50% of sand with brick wastes significantly improved mortar properties. However, replacing more than 50% of the sand hurt the workability of the mortar. This study highlights the potential of using brick waste sand as an alternative to sand in mortar production, promoting resource conservation and sustainable construction. The findings suggest that while a 50% replacement ratio is beneficial, it is essential to carefully consider the mix design to maintain workability and overall performance.