Development of Insulating Masonry Bricks from Wood Fiber and Varying Milled Glass Proportion

Abstract

Thermal efficient sandcrete bricks are masonry units with good thermal insulating properties. Wood fiber (WF) possesses low thermal conductivity, hence, its incorporation in mortar mix results in thermal efficient masonry units. Milled glass (MG) could be added for strength enhancement. This study incorporated WF into mortar mix at a constant dosage of 5 wt.%, with varying MG proportions of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% and cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. The results obtained showed minimization of porosity and water absorption at increasing MG content. Density and compressive strength were enhanced as MG content increased. Flexural and splitting tensile strengths appreciated and peaked at 15 wt.% MG. Thermal performance measured demonstrated progressive appreciation in thermal conductivity while specific heat capacity followed a downtrend as MG dosage increased. The study revealed that the collage of 5 wt. % wood fiber and 15 wt. % MG yielded optimum result. The study, therefore, concludes that the addition of milled glass and wood fiber positively and significantly affected the properties of sandcrete bricks. 15 wt.% of milled glass and 5% wood fiber inclusion in sandcrete bricks are recommended for use by construction practitioners.