Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378

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Journal of Building Engineering

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jobe

Exploratory study on the effect of waste rice husk and sugarcane

bagasse ashes in burnt clay bricks
Syed Minhaj Saleem Kazmi a,n, Safeer Abbas b, Muhammad Junaid Munir a, Anwar Khitab a
a
Department of Civil Engineering, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan
b
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

art ic l e i nf o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Burnt clay brick is the commonly used construction material across the world. In most of countries
Received 2 July 2016 including Pakistan, brick manufacturing is ignorant of modern day improvements and innovations.
Received in revised form Utilization of waste materials in manufacturing of clay bricks is not only helpful in disposal of wastes
13 July 2016
safely but also imparts useful properties to the burnt clay bricks. In this study, the use of waste materials
Accepted 1 August 2016
(rice husk ash and bagasse ash) for brick production has been attempted. Clay bricks were prepared
Available online 4 August 2016
incorporating 5% by clay weight of rice husk ash (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) to investigate
Keywords: the mechanical and durability properties. It was observed compressive strength and modulus of rupture
Bricks decreased with incorporation of RHA and SBA in burnt clay brick. However, compressive strength and
Sugarcane bagasse ash
modulus of rupture satisfied the requirements of building bricks according to Pakistan building code and
Rice husk ash
ASTM standard guidelines. Furthermore, clay bricks incorporating RHA and SBA can be potentially used
Mechanical properties
Durability in the production of lighter bricks. Lighter weight of bricks can result in reduction of structural loads and
helpful in achieving economy. Test results confirmed the use of clay bricks incorporating RHA and SBA as
moderate weather resistive bricks. Moreover, resistance against efflorescence was improved after in-
corporating RHA and SBA. The microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
found that burnt clay bricks incorporating RHA and SBA were more porous than burnt clay bricks. Based
on this study, it can be concluded that the addition of RHA and SBA is not only helpful in controlling
environmental pollution but also results into a more sustainable and economical construction.
& 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction heat is utilized properly before releasing to the surrounding at-

mosphere [5]. In 19th century, British engineer “Bull” introduced a
Clay has been used as a construction material since 8000 BC modified and cheaper version of Hoffmann kiln named as Bull
[1]. It is a naturally occurring finely grained material which be- trench kiln [6].
comes plastic after adding water and hardens when heated at a The properties of clay bricks vary depending on various factors
specific temperature [2]. It is considered as the major raw material including raw material properties, manufacturing method and
in the construction of bricks. Clay brick is the commonly used burning process [7]. The soil properties play an important role in
material in the construction of buildings, tunnels and bridges brick properties. Higher energy is required if quantity of lime and
across the world. The history of burnt clay bricks is almost 6000 moisture content is more to decompose calcium contents and to
years old and traces of that have been found in the Babylonia [3]. It remove the water from bricks [5]. Similarly, temperature of firing
is considered as the world oldest industries [4]. In the start, hand plays a role in bond development. For bond development generally
making was the way of brick manufacturing. In 1619, first time additives are added inside clay bricks. Material production from
clay working machine was used [5]. Until 1958, the molded clay recycling has been the focus of research from decades [8]. These
was fired in ordinary kilns that were not much effective [3]. days, addition of waste materials as an additives in bricks is the
Hoffman was the first person to introduce a proper kiln in which focus of research [9,10]. High strength and low absorption clay
all the firing processes occur continuously and connectively [6]. bricks can be produced by using waste glass as an additive [11].
Due to continuous fire, the kiln is heated one time only and the Similarly, the use of fly ash in clay bricks is very common [12,13].
In the past researches, an increased compressive strength with
n
Corresponding author. decrease in thermal conductivity was observed with small quan-
E-mail address: minhajkazmi17@gmail.com (S.M.S. Kazmi). tity (i.e. 5% by clay weight) of rice husk ash [14,15]. Sugarcane

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2016.08.001
2352-7102/& 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 S.M.S. Kazmi et al. / Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378 373

bagasse ash can also be used to produce lighter bricks [16]. Table 1
Pakistan is one of the country in which burnt clay bricks are Chemical and physical properties of the constituents.
commonly used in the construction activities. Approximately,
Components Soil RHA SBA
12,000 brick kilns are present in Pakistan with yearly production
of 59 billion fired clay bricks [5]. In Pakistan, the kilns are mostly SiO2 (%) 58.05 77.31 86.92
Bull trench kiln, however other types like Hoffmann kiln and Al2O3 (%) 10.91 6.77 2.89
Fe2O3 (%) 4.56 4.64 2.7
vertical shaft brick kiln are also present rarely [3]. Approximately,
CaO (%) 9.28 3.7 2.55
99% of brick kilns in Pakistan use hand molding technique for brick MgO (%) 2.5 1.39 0.73
production [5]. Coal, timber, tyre/rubber, furnace oil and rice husk TiO2 (%) 0.7 – –
are the commonly used fuel sources [3]. Approximately, 1.6 million P2O5 (%) 0.15 – –
tons of coal is used as a fuel for brick making around Pakistan [5]. SO3 (%) – 0.43 0.14
MnO (%) 0.07 – –
Pakistan being 14th largest rice producing country, yields 1.15 Na2O (%) 1.81 1.23 0.26
million tons of husk annually [17]. This husk is used as a fuel K2O (%) 2.26 2.6 0.32
source in various locations especially in brick kilns. Rice husk ash LOI (%) 9.49 4.7 10.25
is obtained as a result of combustion. Similarly, Pakistan being pH 8.5 – –
Liquid limit 30 – –
15th largest sugarcane producing country, produces 50 million
Plastic limit 21.39 – –
tons of sugarcane annually [18]. Bagasse is also used as a fuel Plastic index 8.61 – –
source and in Pakistan annually 0.26 million tons of bagasse ash is Unit weight (Kg/m3) 1123 549.74 253.9
produced [19]. The disposal of these wastes is of great importance Specific gravity 2.57 2.44 1.99
regarding environmental pollution.
In most of countries including Pakistan, brick manufacturing is
greater than 9% [20,21]. In Pakistan, it is preferred that SiO2 should
ignorant of modern day improvements and innovations [5]. Be-
be present in soil within the range of 50–60% and Fe2O3 should be
cause of using rice husk and bagasse as a fuel sources, rice husk
more than 3% [5]. Clay used during this study satisfies the ranges.
ash and sugarcane bagasse ash are commonly available at brick
Similarly, RHA and SBA used during the study were composed of
kilns. Keeping in view, these ashes can be economically used in
SiO2. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) scans of clay, RHA and SBA were
clay bricks. Moreover, being earthquake affected area lighter bricks
shown in Fig. 2(a–c). The XRD pattern of the clay indicated the
have a lot of importance in Pakistan. There is scant knowledge
presence of highest proportion of quartz (SiO2) along with cor-
available regarding the use of waste materials in clay bricks. In this
undum (Al2O3) and hematite (Fe2O3). Whereas, RHA comprised of
study, the use of these wastes (rice husk ash and bagasse ash) for
quartz (SiO2) in excess with discrete presence of hematite (Fe2O3).
brick production has been attempted.
In SBA, quartz (SiO2) was present in excess with discrete presence
of calcite (CaCO3), corundum (Al2O3) and halite (NaCl).
Particle size distribution of raw material has been presented in
2. Materials and methods
Fig. 3. Results showed that clay and RHA are naturally well graded
whereas the SBA was gap graded. Soil has plastic index of 8.61.
2.1. Collection of the materials
Specific gravity for clay was 2.57 whereas, RHA and SBA have
specific gravity of 2.44 and 1.99, respectively (Table 1). As far as
The clay used during this study, was taken from the brick kiln
located in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan (Fig. 1(a)). Rice husk ash unit weight is concerned, RHA and SBA has 51% and 77% less unit
was obtained from a brick kiln, near Wazirabad, Pakistan (Fig. 1(b)) weight than clay, respectively. Therefore, lighter bricks could be
whereas, sugarcane bagasse ash was obtained from Khazana sugar prepared by using RHA and SBA.
mill, Charsadda, Peshawar (Fig. 1(c)).
The chemical composition of the raw materials used is shown 2.2. Preparation of bricks
in Table 1. It was observed that clay has rich silica content along
with small proportion of oxides of aluminum, iron, and calcium. For brick manufacturing, RHA (5% by clay weight) and SBA (5%
Clay can be refereed as low refractory calcareous material as the by clay weight) were mixed in desired proportions with the clay to
oxides of calcium are greater than 6% and total concentration of form the mixture (Fig. 4). Afterwards, water was added in the
calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and titanium oxides are mixture. The mixture was left for 2–3 h and the balls of the clay

Fig. 1. Raw materials (a) Soil, (b) RHA and (c) SBA.
374 S.M.S. Kazmi et al. / Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378

Fig. 4. Manual mixing of raw materials for brick manufacturing.

Fig. 2. XRD patterns of a) clay, b) RHA and c) SBA.

Fig. 5. Fresh molded control and modified bricks.

Fig. 3. Particle Size Distribution.

mix were then prepared. Afterwards, the brick molds of size 9″ 

4.5″  3″ were poured with clay balls. Hand molding was done to
prepare the specimens. Bricks were sun dried for 10 days (Fig. 5)
and transported to the brick kiln. A total of 100 bricks were pre-
pared by placing them in kiln for 45 days. 5 specimens of each
Fig. 6. Unit weight of control and modified bricks.
combination were tested for each test. The bricks were fired by
burning the coal.
accordance ASTM standards to determine weight per unit area
2.3. Methodology (ASTM C 67 [22]) compressive strength (ASTM C 67) and flexural
strength (ASTM C 67).
The series of physico-mechanical tests were carried out in The durability tests including water absorption (ASTM C 67)],
 S.M.S. Kazmi et al. / Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378 375

initial rate of absorption (ASTM C 67), apparent porosity (ASTM C

20 [23]), sulfate resistance, freeze and thaw (ASTM C 67) and ef-
florescence (ASTM C 67) were also carried out on the developed
bricks. The sulfate solution was prepared by using ASTM C 1012
[24]. After 30 days of immersion, bricks were dried at 110 °C,
weighed and tested for compressive strength. The effect of RHA
and SBA incorporation in clay bricks was also examined using
ultrasonic pulse velocity (ASTM C 597 [25]). Color of burnt clay and
modified brick specimens was examined by visual inspection.
Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the micro-
structure of clay and modified brick specimens.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Weight per unit area Fig. 7. Mechanical properties of control and modified bricks.

Table 2 shows the results of weight per unit area of clay bricks
3.3. Modulus of rupture
incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that for modified
bricks, weight per unit area of specimens decreased as compared
Table 2 shows the results of flexural strength of clay bricks
to control specimens leading to lighter bricks. For example, 6%
incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that for bricks in-
lighter bricks can be prepared after incorporating RHA and SBA corporating RHA and SBA, flexural strength decreased as com-
(Fig. 6). This is may be due to the lesser unit weight of RHA and pared to control specimens. For instance, flexural strength for RHA
SBA. Similar observations were also reported in previous studies and SBA incorporated bricks reduced from 1.49 MPa to 0.72 MPa
[15]. Lighter weight bricks are helpful in reducing the structural (Fig. 7). These results are similar to the previous study [29]. Al-
load which has a lot of importance in earthquake affected areas. though, a reduction in flexural strength was observed with in-
Moreover, labor cost on the construction site is dependent on corporation of RHA and SBA in clay brick; however, it still satisfied
weight of material. Therefore, lighter bricks can be helpful in re- the minimum flexural strength according to ASTM C67 guidelines
ducing the laborer cost. for building bricks (i.e. 0.65 MPa) [13,22].

3.4. Water absorption

3.2. Compressive strength
Table 2 shows the results of water absorption of clay bricks
Table 2 shows the results of compressive strength of clay bricks incorporating RHA and SBA. Increase in water absorption was
incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that for bricks in- observed after incorporating RHA and SBA. For example, water
corporating RHA and SBA, compressive strength decreased as absorption for control bricks and bricks incorporating RHA and
compared to control specimens. For example, compressive SBA were approximately 17% and 21%, respectively (Fig. 8). This is
strength for RHA and SBA incorporated bricks reduced from may be due to increased porosity for bricks incorporating RHA and
8.38 MPa to 5.10 MPa. This may be due to the increased porosity SBA [30]. According to ASTM C62 [31], bricks with water absorp-
after incorporating RHA and SBA. These results are similar to the tion less than 17% and 22% are classified as severe weathering
past researches [26,27]. Although, a reduction in strength was resistance bricks and moderate weathering resistance bricks.
achieved with incorporation of RHA and SBA in clay brick; how- Therefore, bricks incorporating RHA and SBA can be used in
ever, it still satisfied the minimum compressive strength according moderate weather.
to Pakistan standards for building bricks (i.e. 5 MPa) [28]. There-
3.5. Initial rate of absorption
fore, these modified bricks can be used as a more sustainable
bricks.
Table 2 shows the results of initial rate of absorption of clay
bricks incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that initial rate
Table 2
Mechanical and durability properties of normal and modified clay bricks.
of absorption increased with incorporation of RHA and SBA. For
instance, initial rate of absorption value for control bricks was
Property Normal clay Modified clay 0.46 g/min/cm2, which increased to 0.65 g/min/cm2 for bricks in-
bricks bricks corporating RHA and SBA (Fig. 9). This can be attributed to the
increased porosity in RHA and SBA bricks. Similar results were
Weight per unit area (Kg/m2) 97.13 91.15
Compressive strength (MPa) 8.38 5.1 reported in previous study [32]. It is generally considered that clay
Modulus of rupture (MPa) 1.49 0.72 bricks having initial rate of absorption more than 0.15 g/min/cm2
Water absorption (%) 17.45 20.93 should be wetted before laying to avoid the absorption of water
Initial rate of absorption (gm/min/cm2) 0.46 0.65
from cement mortar paste [33]. Therefore, both control bricks and
Apparent porosity (%) 35.83 39.71
Area affected by efflorescence (%) 10 Nil
RHA and SBA incorporated bricks should be wetted before laying.
Freeze and thaw weight loss after 50 cy- 9.12 13.85
cles (%) 3.6. Apparent porosity
Sulfate resistance Strength reduc- 23.78 20.85
(MPa) tion (%) Table 2 shows the results of apparent porosity of clay bricks
Weight gain (%) 17.87 22.5
Ultrasonic pulse velocity (m/sec) 1643 1162
incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that apparent por-
osity increased with incorporation of RHA and SBA. For example,
376 S.M.S. Kazmi et al. / Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378

Fig. 8. Durability properties of control and modified bricks. Fig. 9. Initial rate of absorption of control and modified bricks.

porosity for control bricks was 35.83%, which increased to 39.71% example, after 30 days of sulfate immersion, strength reduction
after incorporation of RHA and SBA (Fig. 8). This can be attributed was 24.78% and 20.85% for control and bricks incorporating RHA
to the increased amount and size of pores after incorporating RHA and SBA, respectively. Whereas, weight gain was 17.07% and 22.5%
and SBA [34]. Results are similar to that in past researches [15]. for control and modified bricks, respectively (Fig. 8). As a result of
Porous bricks are generally preferred because of their insulating sulfate immersion, sulfate crystals fill inside the pores and micro
properties [35]. Therefore, bricks incorporating RHA and SBA can cracks leading to weight gain [38]. Moreover, crystallization of
be used where resistance to heat is required. sulfate salts generates pressure within the pores leading to micro-
cracking and reduction in compressive strength [38].
3.7. Efflorescence
3.10. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test
Table 2 shows the results of efflorescence of clay bricks with
RHA and SBA. It was observed that efflorescence reduced due to Table 2 shows the results of ultrasonic pulse velocity test (UPV)
incorporation of RHA and SBA. For example, 10% efflorescence was of clay bricks having RHA and SBA. It was observed UPV decreased
observed after 45 days on control brick specimens. However, no with the incorporation of RHA and SBA. For instance, UPV values
efflorescence was observed on brick specimens incorporating RHA reduced from 1643 m/s to 1162 m/s after incorporating RHA and
and SBA. Generally, calcium oxide (CaO) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) SBA (Fig. 10). Generally, pulse velocity is directly related to por-
play a role in causing efflorescence [20,36]. Quantity of CaO and osity and the results are also confirming the relation [39].
Fe2O3 decreases after incorporation of SBA and RHA in clay bricks,
as a result efflorescence reduces. Similar results were reported in 3.11. Microscopic analysis and color
past researches [16,33]. Therefore, clay bricks incorporating RHA
and SBA can be used effectively in controlling the efflorescence. Fig. 11 shows the scanning electron microscopic images of both
burnt clay bricks and bricks incorporating RHA and SBA. Porous
3.8. Freeze and thaw structure was observed in clay brick specimens. However, the
microstructures of burnt clay bricks incorporation RHA and SBA
Table 2 shows the results of freeze and thaw test of clay bricks are more porous than burnt clay bricks. The results are in ac-
with RHA and SBA. It was observed that weight loss due to freeze cordance with the porosity and water absorption results as ob-
and thaw increased with the incorporation of RHA and SBA. For served in past research [30].
example, after 50 cycles, weight loss due to freeze and thaw was Color of clay brick is also an important parameter to classify
8.32% and 13.85% for control and bricks with RHA and SBA, bricks [40]. Iron oxide content is considered as responsible for
respectively. color [41]. The bricks without waste showed a similar color after
According to ASTM C 67, if specimens cracks during freeze and waste addition. No stains on the surface and black core defects
thaw or weight loss increases by 3%, then brick specimens can be were observed in any brick specimens.
considered as fail. No cracks were observed in both control and
bricks having RHA and SBA after 50 cycles. However, tested brick
specimens showed weight loss greater than 3% after 30 cycles. This 4. Conclusions
can be attributed to the increased porosity, as it plays a key role in
the intensity of stress caused by freezing [20,37]. Therefore, it can In this study, the properties of clay bricks after incorporating
be concluded that bricks incorporating RHA and SBA can be used rice husk ash (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) were in-
in moderate weather areas (temperature higher than freezing vestigated. Utilization of RHA and SBA wastes in the manufactur-
point) instead of severe weather conditions. ing of clay bricks not only helpful in disposal of these wastes safely
but also imparts useful properties to the burnt clay bricks. From
3.9. Sulfate test the experimental results, it can be concluded that:

Table 2 shows the results of sulfate resistance of clay bricks 1. Clay bricks after incorporation of RHA and SBA can be poten-
incorporating RHA and SBA. It was observed that the tested bricks tially used in the production of lighter bricks. Addition of these
with RHA and SBA showed reduction in compressive strength; wastes result into 6% lighter bricks. This decrease in the weight
whereas, weight gained with incorporation of RHA and SBA. For of bricks can result in the reduction of structural loads and
 S.M.S. Kazmi et al. / Journal of Building Engineering 7 (2016) 372–378 377

RHA and SBA. However, modified bricks can be used as mod-

erate weather resistive bricks. Freeze and thaw results also
confirm the suitability of bricks in moderate weather environ-
ment. Porous bricks usually have better insulation properties
than control bricks. Scanning electron microscopy also con-
firmed the increase in porosity after incorporating RHA and SBA.
4. The resistance against efflorescence has been improved after
incorporation of RHA and SBA in clay bricks. However, the use of
modified bricks under severe sulfate attack is not preferred.

Based on the observations, RHA and SBA addition in burnt clay

bricks is recommended. The addition of RHA and SBA is not only
helpful in controlling environmental pollution but also improves
durability properties of burnt clay bricks.

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Fig. 10. Ultrasonic pulse velocity of control and modified bricks.

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