Bio-enzyme-Amended Building Blocks by Partial Replacement of Clay with Native Soil

Conventional bricks have been used as building blocks for centuries and continue to be a popular choice for construction projects. The main components of clay bricks are silica (sand) and alumina (clay), lime, and iron oxide. Conventional bricks are not always environmentally friendly. Their manufacturing process can produce a significant amount of greenhouse gases. This drawback may be eliminated by the use of bio-enzymes in brick, since the application of bio-enzymes eliminates the need for firing bricks. Bio-enzyme is an eco-friendly solution that does not contain harmful chemicals or toxins that can damage the environment. Hence, it can be seen as a natural and effective solution that can be used to improve strength and increase the durability of conventional bricks. This study investigates the possibility of using a sustainable and locally available material, terrazyme, as a partial replacement for clay in the production of building blocks. The experimental study involved the complete removal of lime in conventional bricks, and partial replacement of clay with locally available lateritic soil, amended with terrazyme at two dosages, viz. 50 and 100 ml/m3 of soil. The physical and mechanical properties of the building blocks, including compressive strength, water absorption, and density, were evaluated. The results show that building blocks made with terrazyme have better properties than those made with native soil and clay. Higher compressive strengths and correspondingly lesser water absorption were achieved with a dosage of terrazyme 100 ml/m3 of soil. The use of terrazyme as a partial replacement for clay in building block production can result in more sustainable and cost-effective construction practices, especially in regions with a high abundance of clay soil.