Mechanical Properties of Block Masonry Units Manufactured From Different Kinds of Recycled Materials

Abstract

This experimental investigation is carried out to study and determine the difference in strength of block masonry units manufactured from six different kinds of recycled materials. Large numbers of solid and hollow concrete block units were prepared with some changes in the materials used to manufacturing each type. The changes included the use of chopped worn-out tires, broken pottery, broken pantiles, broken bathroom tiles and melted down glass pieces instead of coarse aggregates. Different percentages of steel wastes were also added in three different mixes having natural aggregates. The characteristic studied were the stress-strain curves, the modulus of elasticity and the compressive strength. The above characteristics were compared with others obtained from testing concrete units manufactured from natural aggregates. The possibility of using each type of the units in the construction of bearing and non-bearing walls is given.

Keywords: Recycled aggregates, masonry units, mechanical Properties, Hollow blocks, solid blocks.