ABSTRACT
The rapid increase in the accumulation of synthetic and agricultural wastes presents serious environmental challenges on a global scale. Foam sponge waste generated from furniture and packaging industries, along with agricultural residues such as coconut coir and Rice Husk Ash, often remain underutilized and contribute to environmental pollution when improperly disposed. This study investigates the development of eco-bricks using foam sponge, coconut coir, and rice husk ash combined with red soil as a natural binder. The objective is to transform waste materials into sustainable construction units that reduce environmental impacts while maintaining acceptable mechanical performance. The materials were processed, mixed in optimized proportions, molded into brick units, and cured under controlled conditions. The fabricated eco-bricks were evaluated for density, compressive strength, and water absorption. Results revealed that foam sponge reduced density and improved thermal insulation, coconut coir enhanced crack resistance and toughness, and rice husk ash improved bonding and durability due to its pozzolanic properties. The findings further indicate that eco-bricks produced from waste materials can act as sustainable alternatives to conventional bricks in non-load-bearing construction applications, thereby promoting effective waste management and supporting the principles of a circular economy.
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