Use of ground clay brick as a pozzolanic material to reduce the alkali–silica reaction

Abstract

The objective of this experimental study was to use ground clay brick (GCB) as a pozzolanic material to minimize the alkali–silica reaction expansion. Two different types of clay bricks were finely ground and their activity indices were determined. ASTM accelerated mortar bar tests were performed to investigate the effect of GCB when used to replace cement mass. The microstructure of the mortar was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the GCBs meet the strength activity requirements of ASTM. In addition, the GCBs were found to be effective in suppressing the alkali–silica reaction expansion. The expansion decreased as the amount of GCBs in the mortar increased.