Fly Ash Bricks Advantages And Disadvantages |Fly Ash vs Red Brick

Fly ash bricks are environmentally safe, sustainable building materials with several advantages for construction projects. These bricks are exceptionally durable, cost-effective, and have great thermal and acoustic insulation capabilities

They are made from a combination of fly ash, cement, and other materials

The thermal conductivity of fly ash bricks is 0.90 – 1.05 W/m2. They absorb less heat

These bricks are highly durable and less permeable. These bricks are less porous, absorb less water, and reduce dampness on the walls.

The compressive strength of fly ash bricks is very high (9-10 N/mm2)

The appearance of fly ash bricks is very attractive due to their pleasing colors like cement, uniform size, and smooth finish. Due to uniform size, mortar required for walls and plastering reduces almost by 40-50%

Sources of Fly Ash in india

72% of India’s power plants are coal based. These power stations generate nearly 40 million tones of fly ash annually . This fly ash is then used as a raw material for manufacture of bricks.

Properties	Red Bricks/Clay Bricks	Fly Ash Bricks	Remarks
Density	1600-1750 kg/m3	1700-1850 kg/m3	Higher load bearing
Compressive strength	30-35 kg/cm2	90-100 kg/cm2	Higher load bearing
Absorption	15-25%	10-14%	Less dampness
Dimensional stability	Very low tolerance	High tolerance	Saving in mortar up to 25%
Wastage during transit	Up to 10%	Less than 2%	Saving in cost up to 8%
Plastering	Thickness vary on the both sides of wall	Even on both sides	Saving in plaster up to 15%.

Benefits of Fly Ash Bricks

There are several benefits of Fly Ash Bricks: – 

 1. Fly ash bricks are often less expensive than traditional clay bricks, making them a more economical choice for construction projects. 

 2. The use of fly ash in brick-making is environmentally friendly, as fly ash is a waste material generated from burning coal in power plants, and using it in the manufacturing of bricks can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. As such, fly ash bricks serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay bricks.

 3. Due to their lighter weight, fly ash bricks are easier to transport and handle on construction sites, resulting in lower labor costs and improved construction efficiency. 

 4. Fly ash bricks offer better thermal insulation properties than clay bricks, which can help to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. This can lead to energy savings and lower utility bills. 

 5. Fly ash bricks exhibit higher compressive strength and resistance to weathering and erosion compared to traditional clay bricks, resulting in increased durability and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. This can translate to reduced maintenance costs over time. 

uses of Fly Ash Bricks

Fly Ash Bricks are used in various construction project such as:

1. Fly ash bricks find wide application in building construction, including the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as walls, partitions, and pavements.

2. Fly ash bricks are utilized in infrastructure projects, such as bridges, culverts, and roads, due to their high durability and strength.

3. Fly ash bricks find applications in landscaping projects, including the construction of garden paths, walkways, and retaining walls.

4. Fly ash bricks can be utilized for constructing fire-resistant structures like chimneys, firewalls, and industrial furnaces, as they can endure high temperatures.