Impacts of Cement, Sawdust and Eggshell Powder on the Properties of Laterite Bricks

Impacts of Cement, Sawdust and Eggshell Powder on the Properties of Laterite Bricks

Wasiu Olabamiji AJAGBE, Mariam IDRIS, John BRAIMAH, Abideen Adekunle GANIYU

Abstract. Bricks are fundamental construction units, valued for their durability, thermal properties, and versatility in load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures. With the growing concerns over the environmental footprint of conventional building materials, a promising approach is the utilisation of agricultural and industrial by-products in lieu of conventional materials to reduce environmental impact while meeting structural and durability needs. This study investigates the impacts of incorporating sawdust (SWD) and eggshell powder (ESP) in the production of cement-stabilised laterite bricks. The index properties of laterite sample were determined, different composite mixes of SWD, ESP, cement and laterite in different proportions were evaluated for the compressive strength at 7, 14 and 28 days, water absorption, and thermal conductivity tests were also conducted. The results show that an increase in SWD contents resulted in lower structural strength and higher water absorption, and the inclusion of ESP enhances both the strength and thermal insulation. ESP also enhances the durability of bricks by reducing the water absorption ability. By examining these alternative raw materials for brick production, the research contributes to the development of eco-friendly construction practices which aligned with global sustainability and resource efficiency goals.

Keywords
Sawdust, Eggshell Powder, Laterite Bricks, Cement Stabilisation, Sustainable Building Materials

Published online 4/2/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Wasiu Olabamiji AJAGBE, Mariam IDRIS, John BRAIMAH, Abideen Adekunle GANIYU, Impacts of Cement, Sawdust and Eggshell Powder on the Properties of Laterite Bricks, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 63, pp 56-63, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904053-7

The article was published as article 7 of the book Advances in Cement and Concrete Research

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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