Effect of waste clay brick powder and slag on mechanical properties and durability of concrete

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of waste clay brick powder (WCBP) and slag on mechanical properties and durability of concrete. A comprehensive assessment was conducted, encompassing axial compressive strength, flexural strength, uniaxial stress-strain behavior, carbonation, and sulfate attack, as well as hydration characteristic. The results reveal that samples with WCBP and slag exhibit lower portlandite content and an optimized pore structure. The combination of WCBP and slag has a synergistic improvement effect on the strength of WCBP concrete. Moreover, the stress-strain curve trends for concrete containing WCBP and slag resemble those of control concrete. Notably, WCBP possesses the potential to reduce concrete brittleness and improve sulfate attack resistance. While incorporating WCBP and slag reduces the carbonation resistance of concrete, prolonging the initial curing time can effectively improve this. These findings provide valuable insights for high-quality utilization of WCBP to reduce construction and demolition waste.