Rapid urbanization leads to diminishing of natural resources that are used in the construction activity thus creating threat to the environment and the society. If this situation exists, it will pose a severe threat to environment in future. Therefore, some alternate measures have to be taken in order to handle this issue. This study is focused on utilizing Vermicompost as a substitute material for Red soil in the manufacturing of bricks. The characteristic test and microstructural tests are carried out for the materials constituting the brick. The physical properties are tested by specific gravity and particle size analysis. In addition to this the microstructural studies of the brick making material and Vermicompost are done by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Infrared Spectrometer (EDAX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results of SEM show that the particles of Vermicompost is less porous and has lesser water absorption than that of red soil. From the XRD results it is evident that the elements obtained for the peak values of Red soil and Vermicompost are nearly same and also these elements are responsible for the good quality of bricks. It has been noted that the physical and chemical properties of the Vermicompost match with that of the Red soil indicating that it can be used as a replacement for Red soil. The manufactured bricks will be cost effective as well as sustainable solution in construction sector.

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Since ancient times naturally available materials are being used for the purpose of construction. Due to overutilization of these resources leads to its unavailability or depletion of these materials. On the other hand, lots of industrial wastes, municipal solid wastes are generated which are sent to landfill. The produced industrial and municipal wastes are not disposed properly. If they are not disposed safely or properly it will pose threats to the human community and also to the environment. These wastes need to be managed properly for safe disposal or alternate ways need to be identified for its utilization. This paper reviews the various types of waste that are used in construction and their usage as building material, its various application and the extent they can be used in building materials are discussed. Sugarcane bagasse ash, municipal solid waste incinerator ash, paper pulp, ground granulated blast furnace slag, copper slag are the wastes reviewed in this study. Many past researches have been identified for utilizing these industrial wastes sustainably in construction sector for manufacturing of bricks, concrete, special concrete etc. The general conclusion from the studies were that GGBS is a good alternative pozzolanic material for cement while the copper slag can be used in many forms as a replacement material in concrete. The MSWI ash is most suitable for use in cement and clay bricks whereas the sugarcane bagasse ash can be ideally used both in cement and clay bricks.

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