Eco-friendly Cement Bricks Containing Crumb Rubber and Crushed Glass: Behaviour and Sustainable Assessment

Nowadays, there is rapid development in the global environment nature as well as awareness of the adverse consequences of civilization on the earth. It has led to the increasing demand for adopting sustainable development in several sectors. Therefore, the transition into green buildings is no longer an option in the construction industry. This research aims to develop an eco-product composed of glass-rubber-cement bricks (GRB). The characteristics of cement bricks incorporated with glass powder and crumb rubber wastes are investigated to assess the properties and sustainability aspects for use in non-structural purposes. Three phases are conducted to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of GRB. The microstructure of GRB is investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The environmental impacts of GRB are assessed using the life cycle assessment technique (LCA). In addition, an economic study is performed to explain the economic benefits of using GRB as a building material in construction projects. Finally, the research will provide a developed lightweight product with low thermal conductivity and low negative environmental impact compared with traditional products.

Objective/Contributions:

The main objective of this research is to investigate the characteristics of cement bricks incorporated with glass powder and crumb rubber wastes to assess the structural properties and sustainability aspects for use in non-structural purposes.