Prapti Final Report 1
Prapti Final Report 1
Prapti Final Report 1
Project Report
on
Submitted By:
Prof. D. D. MORE
I
Sanjivani Rural Education Society’s
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that,
For the partial fulfilment of requirements of BTech Degree in Civil Engineering Awarded by
Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to Savitribai
Phule Pune University, Pune.
II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It gives an immense pleasure to express our sincere and heartiest gratitude towards
guide Prof. D. D. More and co-guide Dr. S. V. Patankar for their guidance, encouragement,
moral support and affection through the course of project work. Guides have proven to be an
excellent teacher. We are especially appreciative to their willingness to listen and guide to find
the best solution. We are also extremely grateful to Dr. C. L. Jejurkar Head of Civil Engineering
Department, for his motivation and support during the work from time to time. We are also
thankful to our Director Dr. A. G. Thakur for permitting us to do the entire work in institution
laboratory. We are also thankful to Manager, Sanjivani Sugar Factory, Kopargaon for their
sincere help and granting us to use the raw material from the factory.
We are also thankful to all group members and Gaikwad sir lab assistance for their
co-operation and support. This work is also the outcome of the blessings, guidance and support of
our parents and family members. Lastly, our cordial thanks to all who have contributed
intellectually and materially in words and deeds for completion of this work.
Submitted By
III
INDEX
TITLE I
CERTIFICATE II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT III
INDEX IV
LIST OF TABLES V
ABSTRACT VIII
1 INTRODUCTION 1-8
1.1 General 1
1.4 Bio-Brick 5
1.7 Overview 8
1.8 Objectives 8
3 METHODOLOGY 12-22
IV
3.1 General 12
3.4 Materials 12
4.1 General 23
5 CONCLUSION 30
REFERENCES 39-41
V
LIST OF TABLES
VI
LIST OF GRAPHS
LIST OF PHOTOS
1 Material 15
2 Water Absorption 24
VII
ABSTRACT
India is one of the fastest-growing building construction sector, and it heavily uses the country's
finite natural resources. One of the main building materials used in the construction sector is fired
clay brick, which emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases. The goal of present work is to
demonstrate the application of alternative materials and which can be modified to fit the needs of
the Indian building construction sector. Among these materials is bio-bricks are also known as
agro-waste based brick, which shows promise as an affordable and sustainable option. It has a net-
zero carbon footprint overall and functions well as a sound and heat insulator. It also discourages
stubble burning, which is common in northern India and results in serious air pollution. Because
of its low density, it minimizes dead load in tall buildings construction, which increases the
affordability of RCC construction. The study also emphasizes how Bio-brick can be used in
different parts of a construction. Inspiring and motivating architects, designers, researchers and
builders to promote and support the development of such eco-friendly and sustainable construction
materials in the construction sector .
VIII
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
In India, the construction sector is the second largest industry, right behind agriculture. There is
an enormous demand for housing and other housing-related amenities due to the rapid
urbanization and exponential population expansion, which is leading to a lack of conventional
building materials. The creation of traditional construction materials contaminate the air, water,
and land while consuming a lot of energy. Therefore, new sustainable materials are required to
address the ever-increasing demand for building materials (Madurwar et al., 2013). Concurrently,
there is an increasing problem with agricultural solid wastes, which are turning into a significant
cause of air pollution in practically all emerging nations, including India.
The primary goal of the research described in this paper is to develop a helpful method for
converting solid agricultural wastes into useful building materials, therefore solving two urgent
problems at once. This research investigates the possible uses of "agro-waste," such as straw
stubbles or hay. Remaining wood, etc., as a component of sustainable bricks as an alternative
building material. These bio-bricks can be altered to fit the local market and building construction
styles, depending on the agro-waste resources that are available. Reducing the amount of natural
resources used and energy consumed can be achieved by using agro-waste as a construction
material.
It can increase the farmer's revenue because they can sell their leftover stubble rather than burning
it, which will lessen air pollution. Up cycling, which is the act of turning waste materials into new
goods with a higher environmental value than in their The agro-waste can be combined with lime,
stone dust, and water to create useful bricks (prior usage) (Oyenuga et al., 2017).
1
government programs like "Housing for All by 2022" (Pandit, 2017). By 2018, the construction
industry's growth is predicted to treble from 2015 levels thanks to these initiatives. It is anticipated
that the industry will receive approximately $650 billion in investment over the next 20 years
(Morris, Anindo Sarkar, Udayan Dhavalikar, 2016). The construction industry's rapid expansion
will increase the need for enormous quantities of raw materials to fuel the construction of new
buildings, aggravating the previously noted issues with pollution and material demand. Common
building supplies like steel, cement, sand, and clay bricks are being used at an alarming rate, which
makes them expensive and limited. Consequently, there is a rise in illicit mining, which causes
the ecosystem to deteriorate significantly and uncontrollably. These figures demonstrate how
critical it is to develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions.
It is estimated that 590 million Indians would reside in cities by 2030. Large housing investments
will be necessary to support such an urbanization level (Loganathan et al., 2017). According to
Satpathy et al. (2016), India's raw material needs are projected to be approximately 15 billion
tonnes by 2030 and 25 billion tonnes by 2050. A number of resources are found in environmentally
delicate areas, such as river basins, including those of the Palar and its tributaries in Cheyyar,
Tamil Nadu (Saviour, 2012), and material extraction will have a negative impact on these areas.
On that note, river sand is the most popular option in the building industry because it contains
silica, which is hard, resilient, and inert. This encourages the indiscriminate mining of river sand,
which devastates river systems. This frequently involves unorganized organizations, which makes
it challenging for the government to supervise the sand mining business's operations. The industry
also grows since it requires little capital and yields large profits. According to some reports, illegal
sand extraction in India produced INR 10 billion (about $150 million) in revenue in 2011.India
has the largest extraction per area globally, at around 1579 tonnes/sq.km, as opposed to 454
tonnes/sq.km globally (Satpathy et al., 2016).Given that materials account for the majority of
construction expenditures, the current climate necessitates the efficient use of materials as well as
the availability of alternative building solutions.
According to estimates from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India is home to about
140,000 brick kilns that emit 66 million tons of CO2. In addition, it generates dangerous pollutants
such particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO).
2
About 9% of India's total greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to these kilns (Aswale, 2015).
In addition to emitting emissions, the bricks require about 350 million tons of topsoil and clay,
which erodes land and might cause a major environmental catastrophe (Banerjee, 2015). Conflicts
and ecological degradation are growing more frequent as mining intensifies. Large-scale
extraction will raise carbon emissions even further, making it harder for India to fulfil its
international climate change obligations.
After China, India is the second largest producer of agricultural waste. It produces more than 130
million-tons of Paddy straw out of which only half is used as fodder and the other half goes to
waste, either in landfills or is simply dumped somewhere (Baig, 2010; Singh and Sidhu, 2014). It
also produces more than 50 million-tons of cane bagasse. Table 1.1 (Jain et al., 2014) indicates
the state wise generation of agricultural waste across India. As can be seen, India has diverse
agricultural practices, which produces more than 500 million-tons of agricultural waste every year.
The surplus waste (84 - 141 million-tons) is usually burnt by the farmers which results in massive
air pollution causing major health hazards. A study based on Punjab alone showed that stubble
produced per acre of paddy and wheat is around 23 and 19 quintals respectively. Around 85% of
the paddy stubble is burnt in the open fields. In the case of wheat stubble around 11% was burnt.
Considering the amount of stubble being produced, even burning a smaller percentage of it can
cause considerable damage to the environment around it (Singh, 2017).
Table No. 1.1 : Crop wise residue generated [Mt/year] in various states of India
3
Jharkhand 7.34 0.00 0.09 0.13
Karnataka 11.73 3.55 0.81 8.80
Kerala 1.14 0.01 0.00 0.10
Madhya Pradesh 16.05 3.51 2.13 1.12
Maharashtra 8.75 19.51 0.57 22.87
Manipur 0.78 0.00 0.00 0.01
Meghalaya 0.44 0.13 0.01 0.00
Mizoram 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.01
Nagaland 0.89 0.01 0.06 0.07
Orissa 13.38 0.56 0.16 0.24
Punjab 45.58 9.32 0.08 1.76
Rajasthan 22.19 2.96 9.26 0.15
Sikkim 0.14 0.00 0.01 0.00
Tamil Nadu 11.69 0.78 1.56 12.37
Tripura 1.22 0.02 0.00 0.02
Uttar Pradesh 72.02 0.04 2.49 41.13
Uttarakhand 2.40 0.00 0.03 2.11
A & N Islands 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00
D & N Haveli 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00
Delhi 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00
Daman & Diu 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00
Pondicherry 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.06
All India 361.85 122.37 28.72 107.50
The Indo Gangetic plains is the highest affected region in terms of crop burning. Along with other
causes of pollution, it creates a poisonous haze every year causing widespread respiratory hazards
and even mortalities. The resulting smoke can cause multiple and lasting effects particularly on
children’s lung function compared to adults. It also causes permanent decrease in their pulmonary
function which in due course can lead to lowering the respiring capacity of the adult and thus lead
to major epidemiological hazards (Awasthi et al., 2010). In Delhi, India’s largest city, the pollution
due to crop burning has doubled between the years 1995 to 2015. The pollution in Mumbai has
increased by 1.5 times during the same period. There were approximately 80665 deaths that were
directly or indirectly caused by air pollution in the year 2015 alone (PHFI and CEH, 2017).
4
Though crop burning cannot be held solely responsible for the situation, it nonetheless is an
important contributor to the crisis. Refer to Table 1.2 (Jain et al., 2014) for crop wise residue
generation and fraction burnt in India. The table highlights the high annual production of crops
like rice paddy and sugarcane, the higher amount of residue generation contrary to their low
residue to crop ratio. Thereby, these crops by their sheer volumes become the major contributors
to Agriculture Crop Residue Burning (ACRB). This also shows the enormous potential, if all of
this waste could be used somehow as a sustainable and economically profitable material, which
will be beneficial not only for India but also for the world.
1.4 Bio-Brick
The process of creating bio-bricks from agro-waste usually entails using agricultural leftovers or
by-products as a major building element. By recycling waste materials and lowering the
environmental effect of typical brick manufacture, this method encourages sustainability.
Renewable Materials
Biodegradability
5
Carbon Sequestration
Microbial Processes
Encourages Biodiversity
In this method, agricultural waste are introduced to the raw material mixture.
In this method, specific bacteria are introduced to the raw material mixture. These bacteria
facilitate the precipitation of calcium carbonate, effectively binding the organic materials and
creating a solid matrix.
Alkaline activation involves treating raw materials with alkaline solutions, such as sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This process activates the materials, leading to improved
binding and the formation of a durable structure.
Fungi, such as mycelium, can be employed to bind and consolidate organic materials. Mycelium
grows into a network, acting as a natural adhesive. This method is particularly interesting for its
potential to create bio-bricks with unique properties
Enzymes can be introduced to the raw materials to accelerate the fermentation process. Enzymatic
reactions break down complex compounds, aiding in the formation of a cohesive bio-brick.
6
Lignin, a complex organic polymer found in plant cell walls, can be extracted and used as a key
component in bio-brick production. The lignin serves as a natural binder, enhancing the structural
integrity of the bricks.
Hydrothermal treatment involves subjecting raw materials to high-pressure steam. This process
modifies the physical and chemical properties of the materials, resulting in improved binding and
compaction.
Certain bacteria produce cellulose, a fibrous material with excellent binding properties. Bio-bricks
can be formed by incorporating bacterial cellulose into the raw material mixture.
1.5.10 Carbonization:
Advanced 3D printing technologies enable the precise layering of bio-inks composed of organic
materials. This method allows for the creation of intricate and customized bio-brick designs.
Hybrid approaches that combine multiple methods, such as MICP and alkaline activation, can be
explored to leverage the strengths of each technique and address potential limitations.
1.6.1 Environmental Impact: Traditional construction materials, such as concrete and steel, have
significant environmental impacts in terms of resource extraction, energy consumption, and
carbon emissions.
7
1.6.2 Resource Conservation: Sustainable materials often utilize renewable resources, recycled
content, or materials with lower environmental impact, helping conserve natural resources and
reduce the ecological footprint of construction projects.
1.6.3 Energy Efficiency: Many sustainable materials are designed to be more energy-efficient
during production and use. This includes materials with improved insulation properties, reducing
the energy required for heating and cooling buildings.
1.7.1 Carbon Footprint Reduction: Traditional building materials often contribute significantly
to carbon emissions during production. Carbon-negative materials, such as bio-bricks, actively
absorb and sequester carbon dioxide, helping to offset the carbon footprint associated with
construction.
1.7.2 Climate Change Mitigation: The construction industry is a major contributor to greenhouse
gas emissions. Carbon-negative building materials play a crucial role in mitigating climate change
by actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to global efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas concentrations.
1.8 Overview
The environmental concerns have been largely promoting the use of bio-based materials in the
industries as the “green” alternatives to the petroleum based counterparts. The overall focus of the
current project is on the development of biobased composites for structural applications
1.9 Objectives
8
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Abhjit Mukherjee et al. (2011) Conducted a thorough investigation into the use of bacterial
calcification to improve the characteristics of soil-cement bricks. The authors carried out
laboratory tests to show how adding bacteria that can precipitate calcium carbonate enhanced the
bricks' compressive strength and decreased their absorption of water. This creative method
supports the objectives of sustainable building materials by improving the mechanical qualities
while lowering the embodied energy.
Mangesh V. Madurwar et al. (2013) Concluded that Based on the availability of agro-waste
materials, sustainable construction materials are evaluated for their physico-mechanical
properties, methods of production and environmental impact. The application of agro-waste for
sustainable construction materials provides a solution which offers reduction in natural resource
use as well as energy.
Nithiya's et al. 2016 Experimental Investigation on Bricks by Using Various Waste Materials,is
a significant addition to the field of sustainable building materials. It was published in the
International Journal of Latest Trends in Engineering and Technology, Volume 6(3), Pages 395–
402. The primary focus of this research is on experimental analysis to determine the effects of
various waste materials on the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of bricks.
Determining whether these waste materials are
G.H.M.J. Subashi De Silva et al. (2018) Declared that the production of fired clay bricks was
found to be a possible application for rice husk ash (RHA), a byproduct of the brick-firing process.
It is unclear how the addition of waste RHA impacts thermal and acoustic performances,
notwithstanding the possibility that it would impair the structural qualities of building materials.
For these reasons, experimental research on the structural, thermal, and acoustic properties of
burnt clay bricks made from waste RHA was conducted using industrial scale manufactures of the
bricks.
9
Chrysanthos Maraveas et al. (2020) Concluded that diverse types of agro-waste ranging from
rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), and bamboo leaves ash (BLA) among others
have been identified as potent solutions in the development of sustainable construction materials.
In this review paper, six different construction materials, made using agro-waste products, are
examined. The materials include brick/masonry elements, green concrete, insulation materials for
buildings, reinforcement materials for buildings, particleboards, and bio-based plastics. The main
criterion adopted in selecting the materials regards their popularity and wide-scale use in modern
construction applications.
V.S. Arangarajan et al. (2020) Discusses the creation of affordable, environmentally friendly
bio bricks. Although specifics from the publication are not available, it is clear that the authors'
research focuses on developing bio bricks that are both economically feasible and in line with
sustainability goals. This study may help make sustainable building materials more widely
available for use in a variety of construction projects.
Priysbrata Rautray, et al. (2021)There study explains the connection between the circular
economy model and bio-bricks, as well as the advantages it offers to the rural economy and society
at large. It can be recycled at the end of its useful life or used as filler, among other direct and
indirect advantages. It also helps to reduce air pollution. It also records the early stages of product
creation and testing. First, bio-brick building blocks were created, and then preliminary
experiments were conducted to ascertain the physical qualities. The product's forms and functions
were revised as a result of these findings. Industrial environments, such as sandwich or reinforced
board enclosures for machinery and equipment, can likewise benefit from new iterations. The
production of bio-bricks has the ability to solve the disposal issue.
Sangmesh B. et al. (2021) Concluded that numerous examinations have been conducted about
the ecological impact of the construction material. Building construction and use account for about
40% of total CO2 emissions; 15% of these emissions are related to the manufacturing of building
materials. As such, it has become imperative that the building sector adopt a more environmentally
friendly method of constructing buildings. Furthermore, the sustainability of the ecosystem is
negatively impacted by the overuse of natural and river sand, which is typically utilized as fine
aggregate in concrete. Furthermore, the production of agro-waste, or agricultural wastes, has a
negative ecological impact. After harvest, agro-waste is unavoidably produced and burned to clear
10
the landfill. Paddy husk, sugarcane, and red gram crops are examples of agro-waste that produces
ten to fifteen times as much as the genuine products.
Kshitij Waghule, et al. (2022) While the development industry is responsible for the world's
excessive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, environmentally friendly materials
garner attention. This article investigates the effects of varying agrowaste fiber diameters on
compressive strength and other light weight block properties. In this experiment, a sample of
agrowaste fibers (0-5, 5-10, and 0-15 mm) was employed. Lime and slag were used as the block's
binder, and their constant ratios to water, agrowaste, and binder were 7.69%, 61.53%, and 38.46%,
respectively. After 28 days of hardening, the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and
flexural strength were evaluated. A comparative analysis of the capture of carbon emissions
between the AAC and agrocrete blocks will be carried out.
11
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 General
The project focuses on producing bio bricks from a combination of organic waste materials, such
as agricultural residues and biomass, along with a binding agent. The chosen materials are readily
available and can be locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions. A simple and cost-
effective production process employed that involves mixing the materials, moulding the bricks,
and curing them under controlled conditions.
Material Selection: We carefully select organic waste materials based on their availability,
carbon content, and compatibility with the binding agent.
Mixing and Molding: The chosen materials are mixed with the binding agent to form a
homogenous mixture. This mixture is then molded into brick shapes using standardized molds.
Curing: The bricks are cured in controlled environmental conditions to ensure proper bonding
and strength development.
3.4 Materials
One of the defining features of bio bricks is their use of organic waste materials as a primary
component. These organic waste materials can include a wide range of biomass and agricultural
residues such as:
Rice Husk Ash: Rice husk ash is a common choice due to its availability and high silica
content. Silica helps improve the mechanical properties of the bricks.
12
Sawdust: Sawdust is often used as a lightweight filler material. It reduces the density of the
bricks and can improve insulation properties.
Sugarcane Bagasse: Bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing, is rich in cellulose and
can serve as a binding agent when properly processed.
Straw: Straw from crops like wheat or rice can be used to add fibrous strength to the bricks.
Palm Kernel Shells: These shells are a waste product from palm oil production and can be
used as a lightweight aggregate.
Binding agents are essential to hold the organic waste materials together and give the bricks their
structural integrity. Various binding agents can be used, including:
Cement: Portland cement is a common binding agent used in bio brick production. However,
efforts are being made to reduce the cement content to minimize the carbon footprint.
Lime: Lime-based binders, such as hydrated lime, can be used to reduce the environmental
impact compared to cement.
Bacterial Calcification some bio bricks utilize bacteria that can precipitate calcium carbonate,
acting as a natural binder. This approach can significantly reduce the need for conventional
binders (Mukherjee et al., 2011).
Bio resin : Aloevera gel , jaggery , hibiscus leaves gel
Depending on the desired properties of the bio bricks, various additives and reinforcements can
be included:
Natural Fibers: Adding natural fibers, such as jute, coir, or sisal,hemp, can enhance the
tensile strength and flexibility of the bricks.
Fly Ash: Fly ash, a waste product from coal combustion, can be used to improve the bricks'
properties, including strength and durability.
Microorganisms: In some cases, microorganisms like fungi or algae may be used to
contribute to the growth and strengthening of the bricks.
3.4.4 Water:
Water is essential for the hydration of binding agents and the proper mixing of materials during
brick production. Careful control of water content is crucial to achieve the desired consistency
and properties.
13
3.5 Material Preparation:
The first step in bio brick production is the collection and preparation of the raw materials, which
typically include organic waste materials and binding agents. These materials may have varying
particle sizes, moisture content, and impurities, so they need to be processed to achieve
consistency. The preparation process involves:
Collection and Sourcing: Collect organic waste materials such as rice husk ash, sawdust,
straw, or other biomass residues from local sources or agricultural waste.
Cleaning and Drying: Remove impurities, contaminants, or excess moisture from the organic
materials to ensure they meet the desired specifications for the bricks.
Grinding and Milling: Reduce the particle size of the materials to achieve uniformity and
improve their compatibility with the binding agent. This step enhances the mixing process.
3.5.1. Mixing:
Once the organic waste materials are prepared, they are mixed with the chosen binding agent to
create a homogenous mixture. Mixing can be performed using a concrete mixer or a specialized
mixing apparatus. The key here is to ensure that the binding agent thoroughly coats and binds the
organic materials.
3.5.2 Molding:
The mixed material is then placed into molds to shape the bio bricks. These molds can come in
various sizes and shapes, depending on the intended application of the bricks. Commonly used
molds include rectangular, square, or interlocking shapes. The molding process includes:
Compaction: The mixture is compacted within the molds to eliminate air voids and ensure
that the bricks have a consistent density.
Demolding: After compaction, the bricks are left to cure and set within the molds for a specific
period, typically around 24 hours. After this curing time, the bricks can be removed from the
molds.
3.5.3 Curing:
Curing is a crucial step in bio brick production, as it allows the binding agents to set and harden.
During this period, the bricks are protected from extreme temperature fluctuations and excessive
moisture loss. Curing conditions may vary depending on the type of binding agent used and the
specific requirements of the bio bricks.
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3.6 Quality Control:
Quality control measures are implemented throughout the production process to ensure that the
bio bricks meet the desired standards and specifications. Common quality control checks include:
Compression Testing: Testing the compressive strength of the bricks to ensure they meet
minimum strength requirements for their intended use.
Dimensional Checks: Ensuring that the bricks conform to the specified dimensions and do
not exhibit excessive variations.
pAbsorption Testing: Measuring the water absorption capacity of the bricks to evaluate their
resistance to moisture.
• Grass Fibre
• Fly Ash
• Baggasse Ash
• Coconut Shell
• Water
• Lime
• Cement
Picture 1 : Material
Biobricks production using sugarcane bagasse involves utilizing the fibrous residue left over after
sugarcane has been crushed to extract juice. Sugarcane bagasse is a promising raw material for
biobricks due to its abundance, low cost, and potential for sustainable use.
Grass fibers can be used in bio-bricks as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional
building materials. These bio-bricks are made by combining grass fibers with a binding agent,
15
often a natural resin or a biopolymer, to create a strong and durable material suitable for
construction.
Biobricks production using fly ash involves incorporating fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion
in power plants, into the Manufacturing process. This process not only utilizes a waste material
but also contributes to the sustainable production of bricks.
Biobricks production using bagasse ash involves incorporating ash derived from sugarcane
bagasse into the manufacturing process. This process not only utilizes an agricultural waste
byproduct but also contributes to sustainable brick production.
Biobricks production using coconut shells as a replacement for traditional aggregates involves
incorporating coconut shell particles into the manufacturing process. This sustainable approach
not only utilizes an agricultural waste byproduct but also contributes to the reduction of
environmental impact in the construction industry.
3.7.6 Water
Water is used for mixing and curing as per IS 456:2000. From durability consideration water
cement ratio should be restricted as in case of normal concrete and it should preferably be less
than 0.4 are tested for their important properties before utilization them for marking concrete
3.7.7 Lime
Lime is also commonly used in the production of bricks, contributing to the durability and
workability of the material. There are two main types of lime used in brickmaking: quicklime
(calcium oxide, CaO) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂).
3.7.8 Cement
Bio-bricks can incorporate cement as a binder to enhance their strength and durability while still
benefiting from the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
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3.8 Test required for bio bricks
This test assesses the maximum compressive load a bio brick can withstand. It's essential to ensure
that the bricks have the required structural integrity for their intended application. The test helps
determine if the bricks meet the minimum strength standards.
Water absorption testing evaluates the ability of bio bricks to resist moisture penetration. High
water absorption can lead to reduced durability and may indicate the need for further optimization.
Measuring the density of bio bricks helps ensure consistency in their composition. Density affects
various properties, including insulation, weight, and structural performance.
This test assesses the thermal insulation properties of bio bricks. Lower thermal conductivity
indicates better insulation, which is essential for energy-efficient buildings.
Durability tests involve subjecting bio bricks to environmental conditions they may encounter
during their lifecycle, such as freeze-thaw cycles or wetting and drying cycles. These tests help
evaluate the bricks' long-term performance and resistance to deterioration.
If one of your project objectives is to produce carbon-negative building components, you'll need
to measure the carbon sequestration potential of the bio bricks. This may involve carbon testing
before and after production to assess the net carbon sequestration.
Evaluate the environmental impact of your bio bricks compared to conventional building
materials. This assessment may include life cycle assessments (LCA) to measure factors like
embodied energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion.
If cost-effectiveness is a project goal, conduct a cost analysis to compare the production costs of
bio bricks to traditional materials. This should consider materials, labour, and equipment costs.
17
3.8.9 Material Characterization:
Perform material characterization tests to understand the properties of the raw materials used in
bio brick production. This includes testing the organic waste materials, binding agents, and any
additives for factors like composition, particle size, and moisture content.
Implement quality control tests throughout the production process to ensure that the bio bricks
consistently meet specified standards and requirements.
Be aware of and comply with local regulations and standards for construction materials. Ensure
that your bio bricks meet all relevant safety and performance requirements.
If you intend to bring your bio bricks to the market, consider conducting market acceptance tests
to gather feedback from potential customers or stakeholders.
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3.9.2 Procedure
The process of making bio-brick starts with careful selection of the dry agro-waste, which is
then chopped to the desired size.
A cement based slurry is prepared by adding materials. The chopped agro-waste is added to
the slurry and mixed thoroughly by hand or mechanical mixer, to create a homogenous
mixture.
This mixture is poured into moulds (100mm x 100mm x 100mm) and rammed with wooden
block to make a compact brick block by removing extra water or voids.
These moulds are left to dry for a day or two, after which the sides of the moulds are removed
The brick is allowed to dry for 7-28 days.
The testing on blocks should be done properly
In this process no controlled or machine drying is used to make the whole process sustainable
and reduce the carbon footprint.
The time taken to manufacture bio-bricks is comparable to air dried (naturally dried) fired clay
bricks.
Even though these bio-bricks have less compressive strength as compared to fired clay bricks
or concrete blocks, they are quite light in weight (1.43 kg per block) i.e. almost 1/8 of fired
clay bricks and 1/10 of concrete blocks of similar volume.
Hence, they can be effectively used in framed structure as non-load bearing walls with
excellent heat and sound insulation with minimal dead load on the structure.
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Table No.3.2 : Proportioning of Materials for Part 1
Coconut Shell 30 gm 30 gm
Baggasse Ash 60 gm 40 gm
Fly Ash 40 gm 40 gm
Lime - 20 gm
0
20
250 40
40
PROPORTION
200 60
40
150 30 30
100
120 120
50
0
Block 1 Block 2
NUMBER OF BLOCKS
20
Table No.3.3 : Proportioning of Materials for Part 2
2.5
0.008
0.009 0.0167
0.033
0.0165 0.012
0.014
0.009 0.437 0.376
2 0.25
0.564
PROPORTION
1 1 1 1
0.5
0
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trail 4
NUMBER OF TRIALS
Cement Fly ash Baggase Ash Baggase Fibre Grass Fibre Water
21
Table No.3.4 : Proportioning of Materials for Part 3
Cement 15 % 18 %
Fly Ash 30 % 40 %
Baggasse Ash 45 % 35 %
Baggase Fibre 6% 5%
Grass Fibre 4% 2%
Mix Proportion 1:1.44:1.12:0.022:0.013 1:1.59:0.729:0.015:0.005
4 0.013
0.022
0.005
0.015
3.5
1.12 0.729
3
PROPORTION
2.5
2 1.44 1.59
1.5
1
1 1
0.5
0
Trial 1 Trial 2
NUMBER OF TRIALS
Cement Fly ash baggase ash Baggase Fibre Grass Fibre Water
22
CHAPTER 4
4.1 General
This chapter includes the results of the experiment designed to investigate bio brick production.
The data collected from our experiments on producing bio bricks using water absorption and
Compression test method was analysed to determine the quality and efficiency of the bio bricks
produced.
Brick for external use must be capable of preventing rain water from passing through them to the
inside of walls of reasonable thickness. A good brick should absorb water maximum 1/7 th of the
weight of the brick. Water absorption tests on bio bricks are essential to determine their suitability
for construction, especially in environments where they will be exposed to moisture. The process
typically involves measuring the increase in weight of the bricks after being submerged in water
for a specified period.
𝑊2−𝑊1
Water Absorption % = × 100
𝑊1
The classification of bricks, including bio bricks, is often guided by standards set by the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS). According to IS 1077:1992 (Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks -
Specification), bricks are classified into different classes based on their physical and mechanical
properties, including water absorption. The classification typically includes First Class, Second
Class, and Third Class bricks.
23
• Water Absorption: ≤ 22%
24
4.3 Compressive Strength Test
2.5
2.04
(N/MM^2)
2 1.63
1.5
0.5
0
Trial 1 Trial 2
BLOCKS
Number of Blocks
25
Table No. 4.3 : Compressive Strength Test For Part 2
6 5.5 5.5
5 5 5
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
3.5
0
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4
BLOCKS
5
5 4.5
N/MM^2
0
Trial 1 Trial 2
BLOCKS
27
COMPARISON BETWEEN 3 PARTS
7
6.5
5 5
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
4
N/MM^2
2
1.83
0
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
NUMBER OF PARTS
Strength
Bio-bricks as compared to burnt clay bricks is not only sustainable but also acts as a carbon sink
as it fixes more carbon dioxide than it is produced during its lifecycle. For instance, in the
prototype, the bio-brick made out of sugarcane bagasse, 900 gm of sugarcane bagasse was used
to make the block. Whereas, burning 1 kg of sugar cane bagasse produces around 710 gm of
carbon dioxide (Kulkarni and Rao, 2016). Thus, a single block of bio-brick made out of sugarcane
bagasse can store around 639 gm of carbon dioxide
In our project in Block 9 gm of sugarcane baggase was used , thus this block can store carbon di
oxide around 6.3 gm .
28
Table No . 4.5 : Carbon Content
CARBON CONTENT
120 120
120
100
85.2 85.2
CARBON CONTENT
80
60
40 33
23.43 22
14 15.62 15
20 9.94 10.65
9 6.39 9 6.39
0
Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
PROPORTIONS
29
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
India is one of the top three producers of waste in the world and is home to a wide variety of
agricultural crops. This produces an enormous volume of agricultural trash that needs to be
disposed of. In addition, the Indian building industry is experiencing a constant increase in demand
for raw materials, particularly bricks. The bio bricks we produced from typical agricultural waste
are incredibly inexpensive and easy to produce, and they have a much lower net carbon footprint
than conventional building materials. They offer enormous application potential in less-load
bearing wall building, noise reduction, and insulation, especially in the low-cost sector which is,
after all, a sizable market in India even though they might not be appropriate for bigger loads.
Therefore, turning agro-waste into bio-bricks could aid in addressing the relevant problems related
to the raw materials needed by the construction sector and the agro-waste produced by the
agriculture sector. We anticipate that in order for the manufacture of bio-bricks to become a self-
sustaining business, government backing and public awareness will be necessary, given the
identified limitations of the load-bearing capacities of bio-bricks. The actions listed below could
aid in the appropriate creation of this new material: To spread the new information, government
action and incentives are needed. extensive public awareness campaigns and training initiatives
for masons and builders at the local level. advertisements that aim to educate target audiences
(such as farmers) by demonstrating the advantages of turning garbage into bricks. Demonstrating
the potential of biobricks to significantly enhance the sustainable practices of the Indian
construction sector
The work done ,in the time period of performing the project was started from very basic steps
such as collecting the material ,examining the properties ,checking for parameters such as fineness
and density .The results for bulk density of material were as mentioned ,which turned out to be
satisfactory .Following the results of compressive strength test performed on the material casted
were noted after 7 days and 28 days of casting of 6 trials comprising of 3-4 samples of each
proportioning of the trial. The results obtained does not achieve the first class strength but were
up to considerable limit it means the bricks are second class .The considered strength for first class
brick can be obtained by working on the same topic and continuing the further study in future .
30
PHOTO GALLERY
31
5) Dry Mixing
32
7) Casting and Tamping
33
9) Test Specimen of 7 and 28 Days
9) Demolding
34
10) Bio Brick Block
35
12) Observation
36
14) Compression Test
37
16) Team Work
38
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