Embracing Sustainability - A Journey with Municipal Solid Waste Ash in Brick Production

Department of Civil Engineering, M.I.E.T. Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli, India.

^* pvpremalatha@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of incorporating municipal solid waste (MSW) ash into brick production to mitigate challenges arising from urbanization and waste disposal. MSW ash was substituted for fly ash at varying proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) in this experimental study. Analytical techniques such as SEM analysis, XRD, and EDAX were employed to assess the characteristics of MSW ash. Various experimental tests, including compressive strength, water absorption, soundness, leaching, and efflorescence tests, were conducted to evaluate the suitability of MSW ash as a raw material in brick manufacturing. The compressive strength test revealed a value of 12.2 MPa after 15 days of curing, without compromising the strength of conventional bricks, while water absorption remained below 20%, indicating an acceptable level. Although leaching tests detected trace amounts of heavy metals in MSW bricks, overall, the incorporation of MSW ash in brick production presents a promising solution to MSW waste disposal challenges, offering a sustainable approach to urban waste management.