A STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ECO-FRIENDLY BRICK MASONRY AS FILLER SLAB

Filler Slab roofs are designed using the same principles as conventional Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) slabs, but replace part of the concrete in the tensile zone with alternative materials like eco-friendly, locally available bricks. These Filler Slabs experience durability issues, such as crack formation, similar to normal concrete. However, the incorporation of microorganisms to induce self-healing properties in building materials, including brick making, presents a viable solution to these issues. This paper explores the use of microbial bricks to reduce seepage and efflorescence in RC Filler Slabs, enhancing sustainability in roof structures. The Filler Slab approach can be applied to housing projects to achieve cost-effectiveness and structural stability without compromising on strength and durability. By using lightweight filler materials, approximately 30-35% of concrete and 25% of overall costs can be saved. This method also leverages the benefits of brick masonry, including high compressive strength, fire resistance, and thermal and acoustic performance.