Study on Stabilized Block Using Fly Ash, Construction & Demolition Waste

Abstract

Thisstudyinvestigatesthedevelopmentofsustainablestabilizedblocksusingsandysoil,flyash,cement,andcrushed roof tile waste obtained from construction and demolition activities. The primary objective is to reduce the environmental impact and construction cost associated with traditional masonry units while utilizing industrial and construction waste effectively. Different mix proportions were prepared and tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density after curing periods of 14, 21, and 28days. Theresultsshowedthat the mix M1containing 40% fly ashand 15% crushedroof tile waste achieved the highest compressive strength of 8.16 N/mm² after 28 days. Water absorption values remained below the permissiblelimit,confirminggooddurability.The studyconcludesthatflyashandrooftilewastecanbeeffectivelyutilizedin stabilized blocks to produce low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable construction materials.

Introduction

This study investigates the use of fly ash and crushed roof tile waste in the production of stabilized mud blocks (SMBs) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional construction materials such as burnt clay bricks. The growing construction industry has increased the demand for natural resources and contributed to environmental degradation. Utilizing industrial and construction waste materials in stabilized blocks helps reduce pollution, conserve resources, and address waste disposal challenges.

The materials used in the study include sandy soil, Class C fly ash, crushed roof tile waste, 5% cement, and water. Three mix proportions (M1, M2, and M3) were prepared with varying percentages of fly ash and tile waste while keeping soil and cement content constant. The materials were mixed, compacted into 70 mm × 70 mm × 70 mm cube molds, and cured for up to 28 days. The blocks were then tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density.

Results showed that compressive strength increased with curing time for all mixes due to cement hydration and the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash. Among the three mixes, M1 (40% soil, 40% fly ash, 15% tile waste, and 5% cement) achieved the highest compressive strength of 8.16 MPa at 28 days, followed by M2 (7.14 MPa) and M3 (6.12 MPa). M1 also exhibited the lowest water absorption (13.47%) and the highest density (1860 kg/m³ at 28 days), indicating better compaction, durability, and structural integrity.

The study concludes that the incorporation of fly ash and crushed roof tile waste significantly affects the performance of stabilized mud blocks. While increasing tile waste content tends to reduce strength and density and increase water absorption, an optimal combination of materials can produce durable and strong blocks. Overall, Mix M1 provided the best balance of strength, durability, and material efficiency, making it the most suitable mix for sustainable stabilized mud block production.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that stabilized mud blocks incorporating fly ash and crushed roof tile waste can be effectively used as a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials. The experimental results clearly indicate that compressive strength increases with curing time due to continuous hydration and pozzolanic reactions, while water absorption is influenced by the porosity and compaction of the mix. Among the different mix proportions, Mix M1 exhibited the highest compressive strength (8.16 MPaat 28days)and maximum density, indicating superior load-bearing capacityand compaction characteristics. However, Mix M2 showed a more balanced performance with adequate strength (7.14 MPa), relatively low water absorption (13.62%),andefficientutilizationofmaterials.Theresultsalsorevealthatincreasingcrushedrooftilecontentbeyondanoptimum level(as inM3)leads toa reductioninstrengthanddensityduetoincreasedporosityandreducedcohesion.The inclusionoffly ash significantly contributed to strength development through pozzolanic reactions, while crushed tile waste improved particle packinguptoanoptimumlimit.Therefore,consideringoverallperformance,materialefficiency,andsustainability,MixM1can be considered the optimum mix, more suitable for applications requiring higher strength. Overall, the study confirms that the utilization of industrial and construction waste materials in stabilized mud blocks not only enhances engineering properties but also promotes eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable construction practices.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Mr. Azmil Bani K, Ayisha Wafa, Haneena Aysha K, Hasna P K, Ziyad Abdul Hameed. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.