Design Mixture of Concrete Bricks with Pulverized Metal Scrap as Additives

The limits of concrete, such as its high weight in relation to strength and low tensile strength, provide difficulties in the building industry . In order to improve strength and durability, this study investigates a unique solution: adding pulverized metal scrap, an industrial waste product, to concrete bricks. In accordance with industry norms, the research focuses on developing a design a design mixture of concrete bricks assessing compressive strength, water absorption and dry density. At the same time, investigate whether it is cost efficient. This method helps create a more environmentally friendly building sector by addressing the shortcomings of concrete and providing a means of repurposing industrial waste. The results may spur more research into developing stronger and more environmentally friendly building materials. The study aims to examine the effects of adding pulverized metal scrap in concrete mix for bricks.it also aims to test the mechanical properties and cost effectiveness of the prototype.. Morover, the study confirms to various standard specifications provided by the ASTM C140, ASTM C136, ASTM C55, ASTM C, ACI EI-07, IS 2185-2 and DPWH Technical Specification item 1046.3. The study produced four mixtures. The first mixture is the control mixture with no additional pulverized metal scrap, the second mixture has 0.5% of pulverized metal scrap the third mixture has 0.75% of pulverized metal scrap and the last mixture has 1.0% of pulverized metal scrap. The prototype underwent different tests to examine its mechanical properties and those tests are sieve analysis, slump test, compressive strength, water absorption and dry density test. Upon conducting the tests, thew result shows PMS have a fineness modulus of 2.02 which according to ACI EI-07 the result falls within the range the is considered suitable as fine aggregate for concrete mixes. Also, the result of slump indicated that the mixtures have zero slump with medium workability making it appropriate for concrete bricks. Furthermore, it is considered that the optimal mixture was the one with 1.0% pulverized metal scrap added having a maximum compressive strength of 3546.5 psi, with 2.35% water absorption and a dry density of 2125 kg/m3. It can be concluded that , adding pulverized metal scrap to concrete mix for bricks enhance and improve the mechanical properties of the concrete and also promote cost efficiency as one brick cost only 2.82 pesos which is cheaper than the commercialized bricks that cost 14 pesos.