TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction

Firstly, burning agricultural waste is one of the major sources of pollution. Even
after the ban imposed by India's government on crop burning, due to low economic benefits
and improper disposal system, farmers tend to ignore the ban and continue burning
agricultural waste. Secondly, with rapid urbanisation and exponential growth of population,
there is a huge demand for housing and other accessories related to housing. This is creating a
shortage of conventional building materials. The application of agro-waste as the construction
material can result in the reduction of redundant agricultural waste. The eco-friendly bio-
bricks are sustainable building material used as a carbon sink to reduce pollution and lower
the country's carbon footprint. These bricks act as a good fire retardant and offer good heat
and sound insulation.

This patent proposes the art of making eco-friendly, light in weight bio-bricks that
be used for building a non-load-bearing wall to reduce agro-waste burning and pollution.
India 1st building made of bio bricks from agricultural waste waste inaugurated at IIT
HYDERABAD. Researchers from IIT, Hyderabadand KIIT, Bhubaneshwar in collaboration
with Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, have developed bio-bricks a sustainable
building material from agricultural waste as anal-ternate to burnt clay bricks. The product
serves the dual purpose of waste managementand development of eco-friendly, sustainable
buildings. The process of making bio-bricks starts with careful selection of dry agro-waste
such as paddy straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and cotton plant. The agrocultural waste
is first chopped to desired size and mixed with lime based slurry and water with the help of
hand or mixer. The mixture ispoured into moulds and thoroughly compacted with a wooden
dowel to make compact brick. The moulds are then left for 24 hours before the sides of the
moulds were opened and left to dry for 15 to 20 days.

Hyderabad, Sep 02, 2021: Agricultural waste burning is a significant source of

pollution in India, especially after the harvesting season. Bio-brick was developed as an
alternative and sustainable building material that acts as an alternative to stubble burning.
Bio- bricks or agro-waste-based bricks are one such material that can create an alternative
building material and create new jobs at the grassroots level. This material has good thermal
and sound insulation; it is breathable and helps maintain a comfortable living condition

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 1

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

during harsh

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 2

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

summer or cold winters. During initial research, it was evident that vast quantities of
agrowaste are generated in India, and the demand for raw material for the regular bricks is
growing exponentially, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil and more air pollution. A
prototype of the guard cabin was be designed and executed in the space allocated by the IIT
Hyderabad. It is a part of the BUILD (Bold Unique Idea Lead Development) project to
demonstrate the strength and versatility of the material. This sample building is made up of
Bio-Brick material with support from the metal framework.

Fig 1: Making bio bricks from agro waste

The roof structure is made of Bio-Bricks material over PVC sheets to reduce the heat gain.
Both inside and outside of the wall is cement plastered to protect the Bio-Bricks from rain.

The chopped husk and lime slurry are mixed in 1:3 ratio by weight. To improve the strength
and binding of the bio-brick traditional additives are added such as pulp of “Belfruit”, river
clay slurry, and liquid molasses.

 Bio bricks made from agricultural waste are an environmental friendly alternative to
traditional bricks.
 They are typically produced by compressing agricultural residues such as rice husk,
straw or sugarcane bagasse with a binding agent.
 These bricks offers several advantages including reduced environmental impact,
lower production costs and potential for carbon sequestration.
 They can help alternative the burden of agricultural waste disposal while providing a
sustainable building material for construction project.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 3

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

1.1.1 Silent features :-

 More sustainable than clay bricks

 Suited for non-load bearing walls
 Density of Bio-Brickis 455.5kg/m3as against density of fired clay brick:2000
~2400kg/m3 and concrete block: 1800~2100 kg/m3.
 Being lighter in weight, the over all weight of structure is reduced giving economical
design Better seismic resistance being lighter in weight.
 Fire retardant.
 Serves as carbon sinks as they fix more CO2 than they produceduring their life cycle.
 Good insulation to heatand sound and helps in maintaining humidity in a building.
 Recycling agricultural waste in this way reduces air pollution, which might have been
caused if this waste was burnt in stead.
 Eco friendly sustainable Building Materials.

1.2 Agricultural waste

1.2.1 Types of agricultural waste:-

Fig 2: types of agro waste

1.2.2 Quantity of agricultural waste generated India :-

After China, India is the second largest producer of agricultural waste. It produces more than
130million-tons of Paddy straw out of which only half is used as fodder and the other half
goes to waste,either in landfills or is simply dumped somewhere(Baig, 2010; Singh and
Sidhu, 2014). It alsoproduces more than 50 million-tons of cane bagasse. Table 1 (Jain et al.,
2014) indicates the state wisegeneration of agricultural waste across India. As can be seen,
India has diverse agricultural practices,which produces more than 500 million-tons of
agricultural waste every year. The surplus waste (84 -141 million-tons) is usually burnt by

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 4

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

the farmers which

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 5

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

results in massive air pollution causing majorhealth hazards. A study based on Punjab alone
showed that stubble produced per acre of paddy andwheat is around 23 and 19 quintals
respectively. Around 85% of the paddy stubble is burnt in the openfields. In the case of wheat
stubble around 11% was burnt. Considering the amount of stubble beingproduced, even
burning a smaller percentage of it can cause considerable damage to the environment around
it (Singh, 2017).

Table1.Cropwise residue generated [Mt/year]in various states of India

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 6

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

Table 2.Cropwise waste generated and fraction burnt

1.2.3. Challenges with agricultural waste

a) Environmental impact of burning agricultural waste

b) Landfill issues and methane emission

a) Environmental impact of burning agricultural waste :-

 Air pollutantion:- Burning the crops residue relece particulate matter, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other pollutants.
 Green house gases :- Burning the crops residue relece the carbon dioxide and methane
contribute to global warming.
 Soil degredetion :- The ash produced from burning can degrade soil quantity.
 Water pollution :- Ash and other residues can runoff into water.
 Loss of biodiversity :- Burning can destroy habitats and disrupt ecosystem, lead to
loss of biodiversity and wildlife.
 Health risk :- Exposer to smoke from burning agricultural waste can cause respiratory
problems and other health issues.

b) Landfill issues and methane emission :-

 Green house gas emissions :- Organic waste in landfill decomposes anaerobically,

producing methane.
 Air pollutantion :- Landfill emit various gases such as methane, volatile organic
compounds and particulate matters.
 Land use :- Landfill required a large area of land which can lead habitat distruction
loss of open space.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 7
TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

1.2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of bio bricks from agricultural waste :-

 Sustainability :- Utilizing agricultural waste for bricks production reduces the need for
traditional clay bricks convering a natural resources and decrease environmental
impact.
 Waste reduction :- Agricultural residues such as rice husk, straw and sugarcane
bagasse are ofter considered waste material bio bricks help in managing and reducing
agricultural waste.
 Lower carbon footprint :- Bio bricks typically have a lower carbon footprint
compared to other traditional bricks because they utilize organic materials that would
otherwise decomposes and release greenhouse gases.
 Cost effectiveness :- Agricultural waste is often inexpensive or even free, making bio
bricks a cost effective alternative to traditional bricks. This can lead to savings in
construction projects.
 Insulation properties :- Depends upon type of agricultural waste used bio bricks can
offer good insulation properties contributing to energy efficiency in building.
 Carbon sequastration :- Some agricultural residues used in bio bricks have the
potential to sequester carbon helping to climate change by storing carbon dioxide
within the bricks.
 Versatility :- Bio bricks can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, making this
suitable wide range of construction application.
 Renewable resources :- Agricultural waste is a renewable resources, ensuring a
continuous and sustainable supply for bio bricks production.

Disadvantages

 Moisture sensitivity :- Bio bricks can be more susceptible to moisture absorption

compared to traditional bricks.
 Limited availability :- The availability of agricultural waste various depending on
factors such as location, seasonality and agricultural practices.
 Higher cost production :- While agricultural waste itself may be inexpensive or free,
the processing and manufacturing of bio bricks can incurred additional costs.
Potentially making then more expansive then traditonal bricks in some cases.
 Fire resistance :- Bio bricks may have lower fire resistance compared to traditional
bricks, posing a potential safety risk in fire prone environment.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 8

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

CHAPTER 2

LITRETURE

2.1 Background study REVIEW

1) Dr. Thippeswamy H.N, Vasundhara C, Suchithra N, Suresh S, Vinay K

We know that brick is a type of block used to build walls and bricks belong to wide family of
construction material since it is mainly used for the construction of outer and inner walls in
the building. Normal clay bricks are hand made also have uneven shapes and lightly bounded.
The process of making a brick has not changed much over the centuries or across
geographies, but by utilizing the industrial and agricultural waste in production of brick has
productive way of disposal of coffee husk. Lighter bricks can be produced after addition of
coffee husk ash and fly ash in burnt and it will also have uniform in shape and smooth in the
finish.

2) Yasodha T

In this paper, they are focused on the recycling and reuse of the solid wastes from the both
agricultural and industrial wastes (agro-industries) for the production of eco-friendly
construction and building material. Agro-industries wastes are noting but coir industries,
coffee processing industries, fly ash and sugar industries this wastes pile up a huge number of
lignocellulose wastes that are menace for environment. So, they are recycled and used for
manufacturing bricks. In this paper they are also mentioned that particle size of coffee husk
should be in range of 0.2-0.67 it gives the bulk density 349.06(g/cc). The most common tests
to be conducted on the (agro-industries) bricks are Flexural strength which is given by
3FL/2hd, Water absorption and Efflorescence test.

3) Rautray, Priyabrata, Roy, Avik, Mathew, Deepak John, Eisenbart, Boris

They mentioned about the sustainability, it is defined as a development that should satisfies
the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations. There are
several sustainable alternatives that are being currently used in construction industries. Some
of the most prevalent one is fly ash and recycled agricultural waste, recycled concrete, foam
concrete, agro-based panel boards, silica fumes etc. Fly ash is one of the most industrial
wastes which is composed by mixing of coffee husk ash and lime binder with passage of time
the composition hardens and can be used as replacement of bricks in construction.

4) Jing He, Satoru, Kawasakiand Varenyam Achal

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 9

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

The purpose of this article is aimed at summarizing the properties of agricultural wastes

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 10

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

according to their physico-chemical level and by morphological analysis, as well as

considering their current applications in materials such as fly ash, lime, gypsum, coffee husk
ash and the improved mechanical properties of mixed agro-industries wastes. The application
of bio-brick for improving the mechanical properties of mixed agro-wastes is high lighted. It
is very important to know the cost of any new technology in sustainable construction, thus, a
cost analysis of bio-brick in production is performed. Generally, agricultural waste materials
refer to sugarcane, bagasse ash, rice husk, wild giant reed, sawdust, groundnut shell, oyster
shell, tobacco waste, palm oil fuel ash, coffee husk ash, coconut shell an so no ash. The
results indicated that in creasing the percentages of fly ash because it gives more strength to
the bricks.

5) Andrea Treasa Figaredo, Mary Dhanya

In tis paper they are mentioned about the quantities wastes that are generated from the
agricultural activitiesare sugarcane bagasse, coffee husk, rice husk jute fibers etc. From the
above, sugarcane bagasse and coffee huskare generated in large quantities. These are reused
as a bio fuel for industrial boilers and other power plants.The burnt residue of coffee husk
called coffee husk ash (CHA) is disposed in landfill without being managedadequately. These
ashes are the final wastes product resulting from the agro-industrial processes with
nopossibility to reduce further. The bricks that were produced incorporating the agro-wastes
were observed to be cost effective, durable, lightweight, having low thermal conductivity and
environmentally friendly.

6) Goswami, Pooja and Jyoti Mathur.

Bio-bricks as compared to burnt clay brick are not only sustainable but also acts as carbon
sink as it fixes morecardon dioxide than it is produced during its lifecycle. The net
greenhouse gas emission during the life cycle ofone bio-brick is zero percentage. Coffee husk
ash can be used as a building material with lime ang fly ash. Theeffect of compressive in the
test specimen was also investigated. It is also found that the strength of brick willmore if fly
ash is added to it. The analysis behind the utilization of coffee husk ash may be a property
artifactthat’s created with a low environmental impact that remove waste production
decreases each energy use and the consumption of natural resources.

7) Wei Quan Chin, Yeong Huei Lee, Mugahed Amran, Roman Fediuk, Nikolai Vatin,
Ahmad Beng Hong KuehandYeeYongLee

This paper discusses the use of POF A (palmoil fuel ash) OPS (oil palm shell), and QD

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 11

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

(quarry dust) to manufacture green cement bricks as these products are massively produced

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 12

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

annually in the palm oil-exporting countries. More over, QD from mining industries is
hazardous to both water and air quality. The agro-industrial waste cement brick is 18%
lower in the strength to weight ratio compared to that of conventional, it is observed that it
has better late strength development due to its POF A pozzolanic properties. For better waste
management in marching towards sustainability, these wastes should be given their second
life as construction materials. Concrete mix with the full replacement of coarse aggregate
with OPS, 20% of cement replacement with POFA, and different replacements of fine
aggregate with QD as design mixes. Tests were conducted on these bricks and the cost to
fabricate a single brick was found almost equivalent to a conventional cement brick.

8) Fatheali A Shilar, S.S.Quadri

This paper mainly focuses on utilization of industrial wastes in making inter locking building
brick, Fly ash and Granite industry generate large amount of solid waste, the disposal of this
waste creates Environmental problems and health hazards. Proportion of granite waste
powder and lime in the fly-ash in making fly ash based inter locking brick and to analyses the
properties of interlocking bricks such as compressive strength and water absorption. Three
different types mix proportion were prepared, these interlocking bricks were sundried and
then tests was carried out on the interlocking bricks, for 7 and 21 days to find the
compressive strength and percentage of water absorption. Or Mix proportion1 72% Fly ash,
18% Granite powder and 10%Lime. Compressive strength was found to be 3.96 N/mm² for 7
days and 8.59 for 21 days. For Mix proportion 2,72% Fly ash, 16% Granite powder and 6%
Lime. Compressive strength for this mix proportion was found out to be 3.98 N/mm² for 7
days and 8.96 for 21 days. For Mix proportion 3 72% Fly ash, 18% Granite waste
powder,10% Lime, compressive strength for this mix proportion was found out to be 3.78
N/mm² for 7 days and 8.32for21days.The Water Absorption found out from all the 3-mix
proportion was 15.20%, 16.10%, 16.50%.Cost of each inter locking brick is ₹5.80.

9) Akhilesh Kumar and Avlokita Agrawal

This paper signifies the importance of using sustainable materials in construction. After
conducting several experiments, it was noticed that agro waste can be used as binder,
insulator, and fiber reinforcement and also in making furniture. The physical properties of
these innovative materials signify broad variation in the behavior such as light in weight,
excellent binding/pasting capacity, good thermal & sound insulation, flexible & tensile nature
of materials, compressive and share strength, durable and build ability nature, water
absorption capacity of a few materials.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 13

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

10) Ahmad Mukhtar, Asad Ullah Qazi, Qasim Shaukat Khan, Muhammad Junaid
Munir, Syed Minhaj Saleem Kazmiand Asif Hameed

To reduce the pollution caused by burnt clay bricks environmentally friendly unburnt coal ash
(CA) bricks were investigated as an alternative to conventional burnt clay bricks. Various
physical and mechanical properties of unburnt CA bricks were investigated. The unburnt CA
bricks were prepared by using 60% CA and 10% lime by weight. In these unburnt CA bricks,
varying cement contents (5%, 10%, and 15%), sand contents (10% and15%), and quarry dust
contents (5% and 10%) by weight were used. A forming pressure of 29 MPa was applied
through an automatic pressure control system either for 3 s or 6 s. The prepared bricks were
moist cured for 28days. The experimental results exhibited that un burnt CA bricks with 10%
cement, 10% sand, and 10% quarry dust subjected to forming pressure for 3 s exhibited the
highest compressive strength of 19 MPa and flexural strength of 2.1 MPa. The unburnt CA
bricks exhibited reduced water absorption, reduced efflorescence, and lower weight per unit
area than the conventional clay bricks. A cost comparison of unburnt CA Bricks and clay
bricks exhibited that unburnt CA bricks are cost-effective compared to clay bricks.

11) Stefania Liuzzi, Sara Sanarica, Pietro Stefanizzi

It is really important to maintain the temperature of a residential building to overcome

excessive heat or could therefore insulation is used. The insulation materials commonly used
in building constructions are mainly made up of non-renewable materials. Also, the
production of these material soften requires high-energy consumptions. The development and
the application of bio based insulation materials can contribute to minimize the
environmental impacts of buildings reducing the energy demand both during the construction
and the use. Among the biomasses used, the agro residues can have an interesting role
because their use allows the revaluation of agricultural wastes, whose disposal is another
serious issue. Studies of thermal and hygric properties were conducted on hemp straw and
olive and they have shown the potential to develop energy efficient and cost-effective
sustainable construction materials along with enhanced hygro thermal behaviour. The
environmental conditions have also a great importance. It is noted that products/composites
produced from various agro-waste materials, have low thermal conductivity and high hygric
performances. But it is also noticed that the main problem of these materials is their
durability. Further researches have to be done in order to prevent mold growth and make their
use more suitable. The generated small data base about hygro thermal performances will
eventually be beneficial to the manufacturers materials.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 14

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

12) Dr.K. Karthikeyan, Dr.N. Nagarajan, Dr. S. Sivaprakasam

In this paper the fly ash is wet dumping with water creats problems like polluting the ground
water in addition to dewatering to overcome these problems many uses for fly ash have been
found at thorough research like making building bricks. As we know that the fly ash
containing the pozzlinic materials and also rich in silica content so that fly ash is suitable for
making the building bricks. As we all know that gypsum is a common mineral and it as much
chemical composition like SiO2/Cao/34.6% etc. from this paper lime is used for making the
bricks we know the lime is a versatile material in building construction project. In
construction application it improves the initial strength the additives such as gypsum are
mixed with lime in construction application.

13) T Cicek, Mehmet Tanrlverdi

This paper discusses about the autoclaved fly ash bricks. The main constituents of this type of
brick are fly ash river/quartz sand and lime. By experiments it was found that optimum
percentage of fly ash was 68%, sand was 20% and lime was 12%. The water absorption was
found to be around 30-40%. Optimum curing time was 6 hrs. and autoclave pressure washer
1.5 Mpa. The forming pressure of these bricks should be less than 20%. Fly ash bricks
prepared with quartz sand were found to be having more compressive strength than the bricks
prepared using river stand. Overall it speaks about how to reuse waste materials by recycling
fly ash to produce fly ash bricks and how it can reduce pollution and also the cost of
construction by a considerable margin.

14) Arya, Rohit Kumar, and Rajeev Kansal

This paper discusses about using paper sludge to cast bricks. There optimum cement: sand:
paper sludge ratio was found to be 1:1.5:3. The casted paper Crete bricks must be allowed for
sun drying for 14 days. The out come of the compression test appeared that paper Crete
bricks are acceptable for non-load bearing walls only. The water absorption of bricks should
not be greater than 20% but the water absorption capacity of paper Crete brick was found to
be more than 20%, which makes it not suited for water logging and external walls.
However,by providing a waterproof coating (Geo bond or silicon founded waterproofing it
can also be used as external wall). The cost of these paper Crete bricks was found to be 20-
40% less than that of regular bricks.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 15

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

15) Pravin Gadling, Mahavira Balmukunda Varma

From this paper we come to know that compressive strength of fly ash bricks are having 1305
psi 9N/mm². The fly ash does not modify the hydric properties of the bricks but it does make
them lighter. In fact, all the bricks worth fly ash have a lower density. In this paper we come
know that how is the shape of bricks. The bricks are uniform in shape and smooth in finish.
Here fly ash used as wasted product and environment is directly protected by reducing solid
waste disposal. By using fly ash bricks we can decreasing the pollution. The properties of the
bricks improved with firing temperature.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 16

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

2.2 OBJECTIVES

 The main objective of the present work is to study is to control the pollution.
 In the present study the strength variation in brick of various properties replacing
clay with waste materials such as Granite waste, Ceramic waste, Rice husk,
Sugarcane bagasse ash was observed.
 In the present this is the analysis of brick has been carried out by application of
various waste materials such as Granite waste, Ceramic waste, Rice husk, Sugarcane
bagasse ash in brick by conducting concerned tests.
 The future scope appears to be more promising with stronger and more durable brick
emerging into the market along with various industrial and agro waste to be mixed
with clay for giving more hope as well as challenge to the eco-friendly and pollution
free environment in the years to come.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 17

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1. Material selection chopping of agricultural waste:- Choose the appropriate

agricultural residues such as rice husk, straw, sugarcane bagasse or other biomass waste
ensure that the material are clean and free from contaminants. The process of prototyping
starts with selecting the right tools for the project. Considering the budget and allotted time,
an electric chaff cutter, an electric mixture machine and a pneumatic rammer were procured.
After an initial survey to collect agro-wastes, we selected a hardy shrub found at our campus
site as the main component of the Bio-Bricks as a replacement for agro-waste. Once the
shrubs were cut, they were left on site to dry. They were collected using manual labour and
transported to a base location where they were chopped to size, the following Figure 3 and 4
show the agricultural waste collection and chopping process.

Fig 3: Selection and collection of dry agro waste

Fig 4: chopping of dry agro waste

3.2. Preparations:- Depending on the type of agricultural waste used it may require
preprocessing such as shredding, chopping or grinding to achieve uniform particle size and
improve cooperation properties. The copped agro-waste was mixed with a lime binder and
water using the electric mixing machine. After a few trials and errors, the correct amount of
the lime binder and water was finalised, and all the subsequent mixes were made of the same
proportion. The mixing follows a process where the water is added to the chopped agro-

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 18

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

wastes,

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 19

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

and once the mixture is sufficiently wet, the lime binder is added using a measuring bucket.
The constituents were mixed for five minutes before being transferred to the site. Figure 5
highlights the different stages of the mixing procedure.

Fig 5: prepating the bio bricks mixture

Observations:

 Collection and transportation of agro-waste is labour and time intensive.

 The chaff-cutting machine could not maintain the size of chopped agro-waste.
 There were many kickbacks and flying debris.
 The amount of water needs to be monitored; if the mixture has too much water, the
lime binder seeps during in-situ casting making the structure weak.
 The size of agro-wastes directly impacted the compaction and strength of the
structure. Thus, we must maintain the agro-wast size (15mm to 25mm). Lager size
agro-waste creates voids and weakens the overall brick.

3.3 Moulding:- Place the mixed material into bricks mold of desired dimensions and shapes
compact the mixture firmly within the mold using hydroulic presses, hand operated presses or
other suitable equipment to achieve the desired density and strength.

Fig 6: moulding

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 20

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

3.4 Curing:- Allow the molded bio bricks to cure or set for a specific period under controlled
conditions of temperature and humidity. This curing process allow the binding agent to
harden and the bricks to achieve adequate strength.

Fig 7: curing

3.5 Drying :-After curing remove the bio bricks from the moulds and air dry then to further
strength and stabilize the material. Proper drying helps prevent cracking and ensure
uniformity in the finished bricks.

3.6 Quality control:- Conduct quality control test on a sample of bio bricks to assess
parameters such as compressive strength, density, water absorption and dimensional
accuracy, adjust the production process as needed to meet desired specifications.

3.7 Packing and storage:- Once the bio bricks have passed quality control test, pakage then
securely for storage or transportation to construction sites, store the bricks in a dry and
ventilated area to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration.

3.8 Design of the structure

After conducting the initial study of Bio-Bricks, it was evident that this building material
could not be used in load-bearing construction and had a high water absorption capacity.
Thus, inspired by vernacular architecture, a pitched- roof with vents, project roof, or
overhangs provides some shed from direct rainfall. Figure 8 highlights the use of a pitched
roof with vents to keep the indoor space comfortable during the hot and humid months. And
during the rainy season, the use of a 'Vahranda' or projected roof provides shade and rain
protection on the wall.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 21

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

Fig 8: Vernacular architecture of India used as inspiration for the structure

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 22

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

The structure was based on corner supports, which took the dynamic load of the roof
structure. This structure was inspired by thatched mud brick homes constructed in rural India,
where they use wooden or bamboo supports at the four corners and tie them at the lintel level.
Mild Steel (M.S.) square sections (25mm) were used to replicate the traditional construction
techniques for ease of construction. The modular frame structure was designed to transport
them from the workshop to the site. Figure 9 showcases the design of the M.S. frame
structure and how the frame was fixed with the PCC foundation at the site.

Fig 9: Frame structure for prototyping

Observations:

 The corner support needs to be connected at two locations to improve the

structural strength.
 The wall must be built over a PCC layer or waterproof course for protection from
water damage.
 The proper slope of the PCC layer needs to be maintained.

3.9 Mould and is-situ casting

18mm Plywood was selected for the formwork and was designed in a modular and openable
manner so that it can be reused repeatedly. The mould height was one and a half feet. The
inside of the moulds was painted with acrylic paint to make the surface smooth and easy to
remove after casting. Toggle latches were used to connect and clamp the formwork securely
before casting. After the moulds were fixed at the site, the Bio-Bricks material was poured
into the mould and compacted using a hand or pneumatic rammer. The moulds were left for
two days, after which they were removed and reassembled over the previous layer. The
process was repeated six times to reach a height of nine feet. The door and window frames
were fixed during the casting to be bound adequately to the Bio-Brick wall.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 23

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

Fig 10: Transporting and installing the formwork at the site

Figure 11: Pouring of Bio-Brick material, rand ramming and completion of the first layer

Figure 12: Photographs showing the layered casting of the wall

Figure 10, Figure 11 and Figure 12 highlight the process of mould making and in-situ casting
of BioBricks based wall.

Observations:

 We used 18mm ply with cross members as stiffeners, but there were a few
buckling issues while ramming.
 The moulds designed for the prototype were open from the top, so there was a bit
of expansion in the casting's top layer, which is unsuitable for uniform strength

4.0 Roof with Bio-Bricks material

Taking inspiration from vernacular architecture and based on the findings from our initial

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 24

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

research, we decided to use the Bio-Bricks material to develop the pitched roof for the
structure. The design harnesses the advantage of a split-pitched roof with vents to improve
ventilation during hot and humid months. The main frame for the roof structure was designed
using a 20mm by 20mm M.S. square section. Next, 20mm M.S. flats were added to the frame
as intermediate supports for fixing the PVC sheet as the backing to hold the Bio-Bricks
material. Once the roof frame was securely fixed onto the base frame, a removable Wood
Plastic Composite (WPC) skirting was added to the outer roof frame to stop the BioBricks
material from sliding from the sloped roof. Figure 13 and Figure 14 show case the making of
the roof using mild steel frames and Bio-Bricks.

Figure 13: Making of the roof frame

Figure 14: Fixing of the roof frame and casting of the roof

Observations:

 Although the M.S. square section was used for ease of construction, they can be
easily replaced with bamboo or wooden members in the actual scenario based on
material and labour availability.
 As the casting was done on a sloped surface, we had to reduce the amount of
water and increase the amount of the lime binder added to the mix to lower the
leaching of the lime binder.
 After pouring the material, it must be levelled adequately by hand to remove any
air gaps.
 The roof surface must be covered during the curing process to protect it from rain.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 25

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

4.0.1 Plaster and finishing

The exterior wall was plastered with 12mm cement mortar to protect the outer surface from
rain, external damage and insect attack. Similarly, to provide a smooth and proper working
surface, the internal wall was also plaster with 12mm cement mortar. Finally, the surface was
finished with two coats of distemper paint. The door and window frame were painted with
two coats of enamel paint. After adequately drying the roof structure, the sloped roof surface
was plaster with 12mm cement mortar, followed by two coats of cement punning with red-
oxide powder to give a distinct red colour. After finishing, the roof was adequately protected
from leakages and any damage from rain. The finishing process of the Bio-Bricks wall and
the roof is shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16.

Figure 15: Plastering process of the Bio-Bricks wall

Figure 16: Finishing of the roof with cement plaster and cement punning

Observations:

 Due to the textured surface and small cavities in Bio-Bricks, it could hold to
cement mortar without any issue.
 The Bio-Bricks wall is dry; the surface can be plastered using lime mortar, cement
mortar or clay mortar, depending on the availability and cost.
 Cement punning or coating the roof surface with a waterproofing compound
improves protection against leakages and water damage.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 26

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

CHAPTER 4

TEST CONDUCTED ON BIO BRICKS

4.1 Water absorption test

The rate of water absorption is the important parameter of the brick because it affects mortar
and grout bonding during the wall construction. If the brick absorbs more water content from
the mortar, that results in the reduction of the brick’s strength. In this test, the selected bio
bricks are dried in the oven at 105ᵒ c to 110ᵒ c and the process continues until they attain
practical standard weight. The bio bricks are removed from the oven and kept at the room
temperature. Now measure the weight of the brick at the dry stage and kept it as W1 kg. After
the dry brick immersed in the water completely for 24 hours then the weight of the wet brick
be W2 kg. shows the setup of water absorption test.

Fig 17: water absoption test

4.2 Compression test

The quality of the brick is divided into three categories based on the water absorption of brick
by Indian standard (IS: 1077: 1992) bricks classification and specification. First quality brick
should not absorb the water more than 20 percentage of its own weight. Second quality brick
should not absorb water more than 22 percentage and third quality brick should not absorb
the water more than 25 percentage. .Hence the bio brick significantly satisfied the
requirement of Indian standard (IS: 1077: 1992) brick classification and specification.

Fig 18: Compressive testing machine

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 27

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

4.3 Hardness test

Bio bricks are tested for its hardness with the help of fingernail. None of the bricks has shown
impression on the surface of the brick, which implies all the bricks are harder in nature.

4.4 Soundness test

In the soundness test, two bio bricks are struck with each other. It indicates that all the bricks
have clear ringing sound with no damage at the edges of the bio bricks.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 28

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

CONCLUSION

 By utilization of Industrial and agricultural waste in production of Brick has

productive way of disposal of rice husk, Sugarcane Bagasse Ash, Ceramic powder
and Granite powder.
 The water absorption of the bricks increased with the increase in Rice Husk,
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash.
 Compressive strength of brick is increased with increase of Ceramic and Granite
powder up to 15 to 30%, can be used for load bearing walls.
 Agriculture waste (Rice Husk and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash) utilization in burnt clay
bricks is an effective way of disposal of waste materials leading to sustainable
construction.
 Lighter bricks can be produced after addition of Rice Husk and Sugarcane Bagasse
Ashin burnt clay bricks. Lighter bricks are helpful in achieving economy during
construction.
 Weight of bricks has increased after addition of Ceramic and Granite powder than the
normal brick.
 This type of bricks can be used in aprons where the self-weight of apron acts
downward to counter uplift force.
 Water absorption content of bricks is more than 20% in the addition of Rice Husk and
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash.
 Rice Husk bricks can be used for partition wall and also can be used for footpath so it
will drain off the water from the surface.
 Environmental effects of wastes and disposal problems of waste can be reduced
through this research.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 29

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

REFERENCES

 Aswale,S.(2015),“Brickmakinginindia–history”, International Journal of Financial

Services Management, Vol.4, available at: https: //doi.org/https:
www.researchgate.net/publication/295387059_BRICK_MAKING_IN_INDIA_HIST
ORY.
 Awasthi, A., Singh, N., Mittal, S., Gupta, P.K. and Agarwal, R. (2010), “Effects of
agriculture crop residue burning on children and young on PFTs in North West
India”, Science of the Total Environment, Elsevier B.V.,Vol.408 No.20,pp.4440–
4445.
 Armstrong, L. (2015), “Building a sustainable future: The hemp Crete revolution”,
Www.Cannabusiness.Com,availableat:http://www.cannabusiness.com/news/science-
technology/building-a-sustainable-future-thehempcrete-revolution/(accessed4 August
2018).
 Rautray, Priyabrata (1); Roy, Avik (2); Mathew, Deepak John (1); Eisenbart, Boris (3)
(2019), Bio-bricks of sustainable and cost effective building material Article one.-
India.
 Singh, V.K. (2017), “Alternative utilization of crop residues: Tackling negative
impacts of burning in India”,
Krishijagran. Com,availableat: https:
//krishijagran.com/featured/alternative-utilization-of-crop-residuestackling-negative-
impacts-of-burning-in-india (accessed 27 October 2018).
 DePandit,S.(2017),“Theroleof the pradhanmantria was yojana (urban), 2015in
financial inclusion inIndia”, International Journal of Recent Scientific Research,
Vol.8 No.8,pp.18959–18962.
 V.S.ARANGARAAJAN1,M.ARIVOLI,ECOFRIENDLYLOW-COSTBIO-BRICK,
Volume:07 Issue:07,https://www.irjet.net/.
 Roya Ahmadi a, Bubak Souri a, Masood Ebrahimi, Evaluation of wheat straw to
insulate fired clay hollow bricks as a construction material,
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-cleaner-production
 Karthik A. Sabapathy , Sateesh Gedupudi, On the influence of concrete-straw-plaster
envelope thermal mass on the cooling and heating loads for different climatic zones
of India, https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-cleaner-production

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 30

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT 2023-24

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGG-GEC, CHAMARAJANAGAR. Page 31