Experimental and computational analyses of eco-friendly concrete using recycled crushed brick

Abstract In this research work, recycled crushed bricks (CBs) were utilized as partial substitutes for fine aggregates in concrete mixes to enhance mechanical properties and promote sustainable construction practices. The main goal was to assess the mechanical properties and the behavior of concrete when a portion of fine aggregates is replaced with different amounts of CBs. Concrete samples were prepared by replacing normal fine aggregate with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% CBs and also a control mix without the inclusion of CB, for compression strength (CS), splitting tensile strength (STS), and flexural strength (FS) assessment. It was found that adding refuse CB at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of the fine aggregate weight increased the CS by 6, 12.8, 29.1, 39.7, and 48.3%, in that order. Accordingly, the STSs increased by 3.4, 13.3, 15.9, 17.9, and 28.2% for these ratios. The study revealed that the FSs of concrete combinations increased by 11.9, 23.8, 39.3, 45.2, and 48.8%. At a 50% CB level, CS increased by 48.3%, STS by 28.2%, and FS by 48.8% compared to the control mix. This enhancement is connected to the pozzolanic nature and the shape of CB particles, which contribute to better interaction within concrete. Moreover, one of the modeling approaches relied on empirical regression, correlation, and artificial neural networks, and was used to estimate the dependent variables CS, STS, and FS for concrete containing CBs, depending on the experimental results. These approaches were accurate enough to indicate their usefulness in predicting the mechanical characteristics of concrete structures with CBs. Incorporating CBs within concrete is in line with sustainable development as it helps to minimize waste emissions and preserve the use of raw materials. The addition of CBs in concrete contributes to the circular economy, which reduces the negative impact caused by conventional building materials. With the aim of replacing these traditional materials with less polluting alternatives, this research aims to enable a shift to more eco-efficient and responsible construction.