Feasibility Study on Using Lightweight Brick Waste as a Coarse Aggregate Replacement in Concrete Floor Tiles to TIS 378-2531 Standard

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of substituting coarse aggregate (stone) in concrete floor tiles with lightweight brick refuse, in accordance with the TIS 378-2531 standard. Stone replacement with lightweight brick debris was the primary focus of the investigation, with weight proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The following principal properties were evaluated after 28 days of curing: water absorption, flexural strength, and tile weight. The research demonstrated that the flexural strength decreased as the proportion of lightweight brick debris increased. The flexural strength of tiles with 0% replacement was 27.01 ksc, while those with 10% replacement achieved 25.22 ksc, meeting the standard requirement of no less than 25 ksc. Conversely, the 20% and 30% mixtures, which yielded strengths of 21.55 ksc and 18.88 ksc, respectively, were inadequate to satisfy the required standard. The 0% and 10% mixtures exhibited water absorption values of 8.60% and 9.50%, respectively, which were within the standard limit of 10%. Instead, the 20% and 30% mixtures exhibited water absorption rates of 12% and 15.40%, respectively, which exceeded the permissible limit. Further, the weight of the tiles decreased in direct proportion to the quantity of lightweight brick refuse that was employed. In summary, the substitute of stone with lightweight brick debris up to 10% by weight is a viable method for the production of concrete floor tiles that comply with the TIS 378-2531 standard. Notwithstanding, the mechanical properties and water absorption of material with a higher replacement percentage are compromised, rendering it unsuitable for standard compliance.