Abstract
Clay brick production can lead to environmental concerns as a result of extensive clay extraction and the high-temperature firing of kilns. This study investigates an alternative form of brick that incorporates the industrial by-products of fly ash and steel slag as substitutes for clay. The physical, mechanical, and durability properties of fly ash-steel slag bricks with various mix proportions were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The bricks displayed reduced water absorption of 6.63% and adequate efflorescence resistance, hardness, and soundness. Increasing the steel slag replacement of cement from 0% to 15% enhanced the brick’s compressive strength from 11.4 MPa to 12.5 MPa, owing to the steel slag's cementitious properties. The mass loss from any acid attacks was only 1-2% for the fly ash-steel slag bricks compared to 5% for clay bricks due to the pozzolanic reactions. The fire endurance was also superior with a peak temperature of 300°C on the unexposed face at a 1100°C flame temperature. The optimal mix design was identified as a 15% steel slag replacement based on its strength and durability performance.