O’Reilly, Dane (2023) Development of Non-Fired geopolymer bricks. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
The traditional kiln-fired clay brick has stood as one of the most prevalent and enduring building materials worldwide, primarily celebrated for its excellent workability, cost-effectiveness, and efficient production processes. Nevertheless, as the world endeavours to propel sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to combat carbon emissions, the ascendancy of geopolymer bricks as a viable alternative to their conventional clay-fired counterparts becomes increasingly prominent. Prior scholarly endeavours have directed their focus towards harnessing recycled and abundant resources, exemplified by coal-fired power plant-derived fly ash and river sand, amalgamated with hydrated lime and a geopolymer binder. The synthesis of such materials has yielded geopolymer bricks that offer encouraging results, drawing attention to their potential significance in sustainable construction.
This ongoing project holds the overarching goal of advancing the development of geopolymer bricks composed of a blend of Class F-type fly ash and river sand. The central objective is to delve into the feasibility of mitigating the necessity for high curing temperatures and extended curing durations, all while intensifying the initial compaction applied during the moulding process. This strategic approach is rooted in the aspiration to reduce the overall energy demand implicated in the geopolymer brick manufacturing process. The anticipated outcome encompasses a reduction in production costs, rendering the overall material more economically accessible.
Expanding on the groundwork laid by Nataamadja et al. (2010), this research endeavour specifically focuses on two critical variables: lowering curing temperatures and augmenting initial compaction from the conventional 10MPa to an elevated 40MPa. This alteration aims to yield outcomes comparable to those observed within the referenced study, albeit with the employment of lower curing temperatures. In alignment with the overarching objectives, the geopolymer mixtures are intricately calibrated. They encompass distinct fly ash-to-sand ratios, denoted as 50/50, 70/30, and 90/10. Each composition is systematically amalgamated with variable proportions of liquid sodium silicate, ranging from 5% to 20% in relation to the dry mass of the mixture.
Following the meticulous mixing and compaction phases, the formulated mixtures will undergo a sequence of curing stages. It's during these stages that the latent properties of the materials are allowed to evolve, potentially resulting in enhanced structural characteristics. Subsequent to the prescribed curing, the geopolymer brick samples will be subjected to an extensive battery of tests encompassing compression strength, tensile properties, and overall durability. This extensive analysis seeks to ascertain the extent to which the composed compositions and binder additives yield building materials of sufficient structural competence to meet real-world construction requisites.
In summation, the trajectory charted by this project interlaces innovation, sustainability, and pragmatic applicability. By meticulously investigating the intricate relationships between composition, compaction, and curing, the study aspires to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential inherent in geopolymer brick manufacturing. This journey towards enhancing energy efficiency, lowering costs, and expanding sustainable construction methodologies underscores the critical role that research and innovation play in shaping the evolution of the built environment.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Alehoussein, Habib |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2025 05:37 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2025 05:37 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | clay brick; geopolymer bricks; sustainability |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52985 |
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