A Feasibility Study on Composite Bricks from Sawdust and Boiler Ash Using Cement as A Binder

The present study was carried out with an objective to analyse the feasibility of composite production using sawdust, boiler ash and cement as raw materials. The study investigated various combinations of sawdust, boiler ash and cement as the raw materials for composite brick production. A total of 24 bricks were made on volume ratio basis of sawdust to cement (1:3 and 1:2), boiler ash to cement (1:3 and 1:2) and sawdust, boiler ash to cement(1:1:1 and 1:1:2). The bricks produced were subjected to various tests for determining the density and the compressive strength in the Quality Control laboratory, The Western India Plywoods Ltd, Baliapatam. The weight and density was found to be with a little significant difference. The compression strength values were 79.30 kg/cm2 and 66.36kg/cm2 for sawdust to cement ratio 1:3 and 1:2 and 110.69kg/cm2 and 100.87kg/cm2 for boiler ash to cement ratio 1:3 and 1:2 and 67.36kg/cm2 and 68.65kg/cm2 for sawdust + boiler ash + cement ratio 1:1:1 and 1:1:2. The respective values for the specimens were compared with the normal concrete bricks to assess the utility and workability of the new products. The composite material made from sawdust, boiler ash and cement were found to be having low compressive strength, confining their usage for interior wall panelling and decoration where minimal wetting is experienced.