*Proceeding Paper* **Manufacturing of Low-Cost Bricks Using Waste Materials †**

**Kalaimani Ramakrishnan 1,\*, Vigneshkumar Chellappa <sup>2</sup> and Subha Chandrasekarabarathi <sup>1</sup>**


**Abstract:** Bricks consume a massive quantity of clay. Using clay bricks causes erosion, lowers the water table, and harms the environment. This research examined various waste materials, including fly ash, quarry dust, marble dust, eggshell powder (ESP), and rice husk ash (RHA), in varying percentages to avoid using clay in manufacturing bricks. Compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted, and the results were compared with the specifications for traditional clay bricks. It was observed that the compressive strength and water absorption values met the relevant standards needed for standard construction bricks. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing bricks from waste materials was estimated, and the findings show that manufacturing bricks from waste materials cost less than conventional bricks. Finally, it was concluded that the brick industry could become more sustainable and economically feasible by using specific waste materials in manufacturing bricks.

**Keywords:** clay bricks; waste materials; cost estimation; production
