Evaluating the potential impact of adding waste glass to clay bricks: an experimental study

Abstract

In the ever-changing business environment, staying ahead of the competition is crucial, creating a pathway for a new industry, that is entrepreneurial. Embarking on the unbeaten track is immensely challenging and will likely be difficult for most who accept the challenge, therefore, by conducting thorough research and preparing for the challenges, will improve the probability of success for any entrepreneur. The objective of this research project was to evaluate the impact of adding waste glass to clay bricks, during the manufacturing process, firstly, to determine if various admixtures will yield measurable differences in the quality of the products and secondly, to determine whether the admixtures will improve the quality of the products. The research began with a literature study on the waste generated in South Africa and if there was a need to reduce the waste on landfills. Statistics revealed that there was an alarming imbalance between the amount of waste produced in South Africa versus the amount recycled. This prompted procuring the necessary material to conduct laboratory-scale testing to establish if the concept was possible and to identify a facility where the physical testing could have been concluded. Laboratory scale testing ensued and proved that producing clay brick samples containing admixtures of glass was possible and full-scale testing was initiated. An investigation was conducted to determine the appropriate equipment required to do the crushing of waste glass on a large scale and appropriate equipment was identified. A total of 108 samples containing 2% and 3% admixtures were manufactured for the tests and final results proved that the glass admixtures did in fact, improve the quality and durability of the clay bricks. Further recommendations were made to enable an aspiring entrepreneur to use the information in this research project to generate a profitable business that can benefit the economy as well the environment of South Africa.