Compressive strength of geopolymer brick samples based on sand-washing waste with different particle sizes

The objective of this study is to minimize the negative impact on the environment and maximize the use of natural resources by exploring the feasibility of manufacturing geopolymeric bricks from industrial waste in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. This study utilized waste from sand washing as a source of alkaline activators and aluminosilicate for the manufacturing of geopolymer bricks. Through the creation of various combinations with varying proportions of raw materials, the impact of these variables on the durability and mechanical characteristics of the bricks that are created has been assessed. Additionally, studies on the composition and structure of geopolymer bricks have been conducted using microscopic analyses such as EDAX, SEM, and FESEM. The findings demonstrate that waste sand can be used to create geopolymeric bricks with an appropriate water absorption rate (8% on average) and compressive strength (24 MPa). In addition, the hardening process and microscopic characteristics of geopolymeric bricks indicated their very low porosity. In conclusion, the compressive strength of geopolymer brick samples based on sand-washing waste with different particles sizes are increased when it was using pozzolanic sources containing aluminosilicate and alkaline activators.