Fly ash bricks are green and sustainable. They are made of fly ash, lime, gypsum, and sand. These can also be adapted for all classes of building construction work, like the conventional burnt clay bricks. The demand for fly ash bricks has risen. This is because they are higher quality than normal bricks and eco-friendly.
What are Fly Ash Bricks?
Fly ash bricks are known as the best brick for fire resistant, Fly ash bricks are a sustainable alternative to clay bricks. They are made from the waste of coal burning in power plants. It is a sustainable and new solution for construction. It combines environmental care with practical benefits.
Fly ash bricks: Primary Constituents
- Fly ash is one of the emissions caused by thermal power plants that are discharged in sanitation or landfills. Using fly ash to make bricks can solve problems. It can help with waste disposal and rational use of natural resources.
- Lime: Used to bind the fly ash and other materials together.
- Gypsum: Adds strength and texture to the bricks.
- Sand: They are used as a mold control agent to reduce water absorption in the finished product.
Fly ash bricks: Properties
- Appearance
Fly ash bricks have an even exterior. They come in specific sizes and structures for construction.
- Thermal Conductivity
Fly ash bricks have low thermal conductivity and shield the building from heat. They make the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This log house saves a lot of energy for heating and cooling. So, it has little impact on the environment.
- Sound Insulation
Fly ash bricks are also good at sound insulation. They are suitable for use in buildings where sound insulation is needed.
- Resistance to Fire and Vermin
Fly ash bricks are also resistant to fire and vermin. Therefore, it is a safe and sound construction material to use.
- Durability and Moisture Absorption
Fly ash bricks are very strong. They do not absorb water. This greatly reduces the chance of cracking and dampening from water.
- Toxicity and Stability
Fly ash bricks are not toxic or flammable. They are harmless to the health of building occupants and assure them stability.
Cost of Fly ash bricks:
In India, fly ash bricks cost ₹3 to ₹7 per brick. Here’s a breakdown based on different criteria:
Basic Fly Ash Bricks:
These are standard-quality bricks used for general construction purposes.
Price Range: ₹3 to ₹4 per brick.
High-Quality Fly Ash Bricks:
These bricks have higher compressive strength and are used in structural applications where higher load-bearing capacity is required.
Price Range: ₹4 to ₹6 per brick.
Eco-Friendly and Designer Fly Ash Bricks:
Some manufacturers produce eco-friendly bricks with additional benefits like better insulation properties or designer finishes.
Price Range: ₹5 to ₹7 per brick.
Additional Costs
Taxes and GST:
The final cost of fly ash bricks may include Goods and Services Tax (GST). Currently, the GST rate on fly ash bricks is 5%. This tax needs to be factored into the overall cost calculation.
Delivery Charges:
Depending on the distance between the supplier and the construction site, additional delivery charges may apply. These charges can vary widely and should be discussed with the supplier before finalising the purchase.
Storage and Handling:
If bricks need to be stored for a period before use, there might be additional costs for storage facilities and handling. Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of a better brick.
Fly ash bricks: Advantages.
- Fly ash is a substance created by burning coal. It cuts waste and is highly eco-friendly.
- They are cheaper than normal clay bricks about the production cost.
- The primary benefits are their high thermal performance and lower heat gain and loss, resulting in less energy for heating or cooling.
- It brings good soundproofing features that make the panel suitable for use in structures that are supposed to have low noise transfer.
- They offer great fire and rodent resistance. This guarantees the safety and strength of the site.
Fly ash bricks: Drawbacks
- Fly ash bricks are produced with a smooth surface so the bonding strength of those bricks is low But it can be rectified with the help of mortar mixtures.
- Another disadvantage is that fly ash bricks do not stand in cold climates and can easily delaminate because they absorb heat.
How fly ash bricks help in a sustainable environment
- Reducing waste:
It helps to cut costs and waste by incorporating fly ash into the concrete, which is a product of coal burning.
- Conserving natural resources:
This process conserves natural resources. For example, it saves clay burnt in normal production.
- Lowering carbon footprint:
They also cut carbon emissions from construction by using a low-carbon material in the walls and by reducing the energy needed to heat and cool the inside spaces.
- Improving air quality:
They help preserve the environment, improving air quality by reducing pollutants.
Uses and Applications
Fly ash bricks are mortarless construction materials. They are somewhat like common burnt clay bricks and can be used for masonry construction.
Some of its other applications include:
- Making pavements
- Dams
- Tanks
- Underwater works
- Canal lining
- Irrigation works
Conclusion
Fly ash brick is the best building material. It is preferred because of factors such as durability and low cost. It is also more relevant to the environment. Despite having certain limitations the benefits they bring make them suitable for many cost-effective and sustainable construction projects.