Study on the Usage of Ceramic Tile Waste as a Partial Replacement for Sand in Block Manufacturing

Due to heavy usage, natural materials have become scarce. As a solution, several studies have been conducted to investigate alternative materials including industrial and construction waste. For example, research studies have been conducted to use fly ash along with cement in concrete. Furthermore, research studies are being done to investigate alternative materials to replace river sand in concrete and masonry. In this context, ceramic tile waste (CTW) has emerged as a viable alternative for sand. The objective of the current study was to utilize CTW as a replacement for sand in the manufacturing of masonry blocks, with an investigation into the optimal utilization of sand properties in CTW-based blocks. The properties of CTW and the mechanical properties of masonry blocks manufactured with CTW were investigated. Sieve analysis was carried out for sand and CTW to investigate the particle size distribution of both materials. Solid masonry blocks having the size 215 mm x100 mm x 65 mm were cast with a mix proportion of 1:6 Cement: Sand. CTW as a replacement for fine aggregates was used in varying percentages: 0%, 10%, 20% 30%, and 100%. The compressive strength of the masonry blocks was determined by crushing them at the age of 7 and 28 days. Additionally, the water absorption properties and material cost of the blocks were investigated. The results of the sieve analysis test indicated a similar distribution of particle sizes of sand and CTW, suggesting that sand could be effectively replaced by using CTW in the manufacturing of masonry blocks. Moreover, compressive strength and water absorption test results showed that sand can be replaced up to 20% by CTW in masonry blocks.