Journal of Applied Science and Engineering

Published by Tamkang University Press

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Sustainable Lightweight Bricks With Fly Ash, Rubber Powder, And Geogrid Reinforcement

 2026

 Volume 32

Fathony Nada Saputro1, Wijang Wisnu Raharjo2 , and Bambang Kusharjanta2

1Master’s Student in Mechanical Engineering, Sebelas Maret University, Jl.Ir.Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia

2Mechanical Engineering Department, Sebelas Maret University, Jl.Ir.Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia

Received: November 6, 2025
Accepted: March 24, 2026
Publication Date: May 13, 2026

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Density of LWB with rubber powder variation

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The construction sector contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to the extensive use of conventional building materials. Lightweight bricks offer a potential alternative; however, achieving both reduced weight and adequate mechanical performance remains a challenge. The substitution of sand with waste derived materials provides a sustainable pathway. In this work, fly ash and rubber powder, both industrial by-products, were utilized as fine aggregate replacements in the production of lightweight bricks, combined with geogrid reinforcement to enhance their structural performance. Rubber powder was incorporated at 10%,20%, and 30% by weight, while geogrid layers were applied in one to three layers. The physical and mechanical properties were evaluated through density, water absorption, macroscopic structure observation, compressive strength, and flexural strength tests. Increasing the rubber powder content effectively reduced the brick density, reaching a minimum of 0.68 g/cm3 at a 30% replacement level. However, an increase in rubber content led to greater porosity and water absorption, resulting in a reduction in both compressive and
flexural strength. Optimum mechanical performance was observed at 10% rubber powder, with compressive and flexural strengths of 2.41 MPa and 1.64 MPa , respectively. The introduction of geogrid reinforcement significantly improved the strength, with three layers achieving compressive and flexural strengths of 6.01 MPa and 3.48 MPa, respectively. The results indicate that combining fly ash, rubber waste, and geogrid reinforcement can effectively produce lightweight, sustainable bricks with enhanced structural performance.

Keywords: mechanical properties; lightweight bricks; fly ash; rubber powder; geogrid

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