ECO-FRIENDLY BRICKS AND THEIR ASPECTS

Abstract

The construction industry is characterized by the consumption of large volumes of available natural resources. There is a pressing need to adopt methods and technologies with lower environmental impact to keep pace with social evolution and improve construction quality. This study examined the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of eco-bricks from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. A cost comparison was conducted between masonry walls built with eco-bricks and those built with conventional bricks. The results showed that eco-bricks have a higher initial purchase cost—approximately 40% higher. However, their use leads to savings in subsequent construction stages, resulting in an overall material cost reduction of about 19%. It was also demonstrated that eco-brick manufacturing has a lower environmental impact, as it does not require a firing process, and that their use on construction sites generates less waste. From a technical standpoint, eco-bricks were shown to meet the key requirements set forth in relevant standards. These attributes make them suitable for a wide range of construction projects while simultaneously contributing to environmental preservation.