Experimental Investigation on Stabilized Block Masonry using Construction Waste as an Ingredient

Using stabilized mud blocks (SMBs) has recently gained popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional building materials. SMBs are manufactured by compressing a saturated mixture of soil, sand, and a certain percentage of adhesive in a machine into a block. Such blocks are utilized in the construction of load-bearing and non-loadbearing masonry. The present work involves the investigation of construction waste, specifically wastes from the plastering work, as an ingredient in the production of stabilized mud blocks. Disposal of construction waste has been a significant problem in the construction industry; finding ways to reuse or recycle it can help reduce the impact of construction activities on the environment. The study involves conducting experimental tests on blocks and masonry units made from stabilized C and D blocks containing varying amounts of construction waste. The tests include determining the compressive strength and water absorption property of the masonry unit thus formed. The study results provide valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of using construction waste in the manufacture of stabilized blocks. Thus, the obtained optimum strength mix proportion is selected and the masonry prism is cast by using recycled aggregate mortar. After a curing period, the prisms are subjected to structural frame loading to obtain compressive strength.