Study on properties of bio-bricks

In the age of sustainability, it is necessary to prevent the depletion of natural resources to maintain needs and ecology. Hence, in the process of manufacturing mud and fly ash bio-bricks, materials like fly ash and bacterial solutions (Bacillus Megaterium and Bacillus Subtilis) are widely used. The experiment was carried out at various pH levels (basic, acidic, neutral) and at different temperatures (4, 31, 60 °C) with two different kinds of water (lab grade, groundwater) to find the optimum mix proportion of a brick. Bricks were cast by the MICP method where bio-mineralization (a process that converts CaCl2, urea, and bacteria into CaCO3) takes place. An experimental program has been carried out at various ages of bricks in order to determine the physical and mechanical properties of bricks, such as compressive strength, water absorption, hardness, size, shape, and color. The experiment results are used to determine the effect of bacterial solutions and fly ash content on the unburnt brick’s properties. The bricks tested showed comparatively better properties than the conventional and hence they are good to be used in temporary construction.