Pozzolanic properties of a variety of European clay bricks

Clay bricks from Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Poland have been ground up, investigated and analysed for particle size distribution, chemical composition, mineralogical content and strength. The ground brick types have also been used to partially replace cement in mortar. Chemical tests for pozzolanic activity confirm that all the brick types investigated have good pozzolanic activity and this is supported by strength development data of the mortar bars. A significant variation in relative strength between mortars made with the different ground brick types and the reasons for this variation are discussed. The work reported involves potential utilization of waste clay bricks in the production of durable mortar and concrete.