: Investigations on use of Brick based Building Derived Materials for Geotechnical Applications

Abstract

This investigation explores the use of brick-based building derived materials (BBDMs) as a sustainable alternative to conventional geotechnical materials in various engineering applications. The study aims to assess the feasibility of recycling brick debris from demolished structures for geotechnical purposes, including soil stabilization, embankment fill, road sub-bases, and drainage layers. Through a series of laboratory tests and field evaluations, the physical and mechanical properties of processed brick materials, such as compressive strength, shear strength, permeability, and durability, were analyzed. Results indicate that BBDMs demonstrate comparable performance to traditional materials, with potential advantages in cost, environmental sustainability, and resource conservation. This research highlights the significant potential of recycled brick-based materials in reducing construction waste and lowering the environmental footprint of geotechnical projects, while offering a viable alternative to depleting natural aggregates.

Specification

Description:Description

1. Title: Investigations on use of Brick based Building Derived Materials for Geotechnical Applications
2. Field of Invention: Waste This invention relates to the field of geotechnical engineering and, more specifically, to the use of recycled brick-based building materials as an alternative to natural materials in various geotechnical applications such as soil stabilization, embankment construction, foundation layers, and road construction.
3: Abstract:
This investigation explores the use of brick-based building derived materials (BBDMs) as a sustainable alternative to conventional geotechnical materials in various engineering applications. The study aims to assess the feasibility of recycling brick debris from demolished structures for geotechnical purposes, including soil stabilization, embankment fill, road sub-bases, and drainage layers.
Through a series of laboratory tests and field evaluations, the physical and mechanical properties of processed brick materials, such as compressive strength, shear strength, permeability, and durability, were analyzed. Results indicate that BBDMs demonstrate comparable performance to traditional materials, with potential advantages in cost, environmental sustainability, and resource conservation. This research highlights the significant potential of recycled brick-based materials in reducing construction waste and lowering the environmental footprint of geotechnical projects, while offering a viable alternative to depleting natural aggregates.
4. Background of the Invention: The construction industry generates significant amounts of waste materials, especially from demolished buildings. Traditional disposal methods for brick debris, such as landfilling, present environmental concerns, including the consumption of land resources and the potential for contamination. Additionally, sourcing natural materials like gravel, sand, and soil for geotechnical applications contributes to the depletion of non-renewable natural resources.
Brick-based materials, which are abundant in demolished structures, possess desirable properties like durability and load-bearing capacity. However, they are often overlooked for use in geotechnical projects due to limited research on their mechanical and physical characteristics after recycling. Therefore, there is a need to explore the use of recycled brick-based materials in geotechnical applications, both to reduce environmental impact and to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional geotechnical materials.
5. Summary of Invention: The present invention provides a novel approach for the use of brick-based building derived materials (BBDMs) in geotechnical applications. The invention outlines methods to recycle and process brick debris and demonstrate its suitability for various geotechnical uses. This approach aims to reduce the reliance on natural materials, minimize environmental degradation, and lower the cost of construction.
Key features of the invention include:
Material Preparation: Methods for processing and recycling brick waste, including sorting, crushing, and grading into usable aggregates.
Geotechnical Applications: Integration of brick-based materials in applications such as soil stabilization, embankment fill, road sub-base, and as foundation support.
Performance Evaluation: Laboratory and field investigations to determine the mechanical properties of BBDMs, such as compressive strength, shear strength, permeability, and durability, comparing them to conventional materials.
Environmental Benefits: Assessment of the environmental advantages in terms of waste reduction and resource conservation.
6. Detailed Description of the Invention
1. Material Collection and Recycling Process
The invention involves sourcing brick debris from demolished buildings, ensuring that the material is free from contaminants like metal, wood, and organic waste. The brick-based materials are then subjected to a recycling process, including crushing to desired aggregate sizes (fine or coarse) and sorting based on particle size distribution suitable for geotechnical uses.
2. Material Characterization
The processed brick-based materials are tested to determine key geotechnical properties, including:
Particle Size Distribution: The gradation of the crushed brick is optimized to match the requirements of specific geotechnical applications.
Shear Strength: The brick material's ability to resist shear stress is measured to assess its suitability for load-bearing applications.
Compaction Characteristics: The optimal moisture content and compaction levels are determined to ensure stability when used in embankments or foundations.
Durability and Frost Resistance: Resistance to environmental factors like freeze-thaw cycles is assessed to ensure long-term performance.
3. Geotechnical Applications
The invention describes several geotechnical applications where brick-based building derived materials can be utilized:
Soil Stabilization: Crushed brick aggregates can be mixed with weak soils to improve their load-bearing capacity and reduce settlement under loads.
Embankment Fill: BBDMs can replace natural aggregates in embankment construction for highways and railways, offering similar performance at lower environmental costs.
Road Sub-base and Foundation Layers: The processed brick material can be used as a sub-base layer in road construction, providing adequate support and drainage for the overlying pavement.
Drainage Layers: Due to their porosity, brick-based materials can be used in drainage layers to facilitate water flow and prevent the accumulation of moisture in foundation layers.
4. Performance Evaluation
The invention outlines procedures for evaluating the performance of BBDMs in various geotechnical applications through both laboratory testing and field trials. Key performance indicators include:
Load-bearing capacity: Measured through triaxial and unconfined compression tests to ensure the material meets the strength requirements for specific geotechnical uses.
Permeability: Testing the permeability of the material to ensure appropriate drainage characteristics in foundation or sub-base layers.
Long-term durability: Field trials to monitor the behavior of BBDMs under cyclic loading and environmental exposure over extended periods.
5. Environmental and Economic Benefits
The invention provides significant environmental advantages, including the reduction of construction waste sent to landfills and the conservation of natural resources used in geotechnical applications. Additionally, the economic benefits include cost savings associated with the lower expense of recycled materials and reduced transportation costs for natural aggregates.
7. Conclusion
This invention offers an innovative solution for the sustainable use of brick-based building debris in geotechnical applications. By recycling and repurposing these materials, the invention addresses environmental concerns related to construction waste and natural resource depletion, while providing an economically viable alternative to traditional geotechnical materials.
, Claims:CLAIMS



I/We claim the following,


Claim 1: A method for recycling brick-based building debris into geotechnical materials comprising the steps of sorting, crushing, grading, and processing the brick debris into aggregates suitable for geotechnical applications.

Claim 2: The use of brick-based building derived materials in soil stabilization applications, wherein the recycled materials are mixed with weak soils to improve load-bearing capacity and reduce settlement.

Claim 3: The use of brick-based building derived materials as embankment fill for construction projects, wherein the recycled material replaces natural aggregates and provides equivalent performance.

Claim 4: The use of brick-based building derived materials as a sub-base layer in road construction, wherein the material provides adequate structural support and drainage for the overlying pavement.

Claim 5: A method for evaluating the performance of brick-based building derived materials in geotechnical applications, including laboratory and field testing for shear strength, compaction characteristics, and permeability.

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