This experimental investigation studied the potential of co-fired blended ash (CFBA), obtained from co-firing sawdust and coal, for the development of bricks and mortar. The identified new raw material CFBA underwent chemical (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), physical (specific gravity determination, sieve analysis), mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) and morphological (scanning electron microscopy) characterisation. CFBA was used as a partial fine aggregate substitute in the production of bricks and as a supplementary cementitious material in mortar. The developed bricks were tested for compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence. Bricks developed with 15% sand substitution by CFBA were found to be in accordance with the Indian standard (IS 1077) and were suggested for non-load-bearing walls. In contrast, in the case of mortars (10–30% CFBA content), decreases in compressive strength (25–63%) and flexural strength (3–9%) were observed in comparison with standard mortars. Hence, the study concluded that the use of CFBA as an alternative raw material for the production of bricks was feasible.

Energy-efficient buildings assist in conserving energy and are currently prioritised due to increases in the cost of energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In this investigation, a low-thermal-conductivity walling material (bricks) was developed using co-fired blended ash (CFBA) for conserving energy in buildings. Physico-mechanical properties of the developed product were investigated according to Indian standards. Also, the thermal conductivity of the bricks was investigated. Building performance analysis was carried out with the help of a case study. Computational models for the single- (G), double- (G + 1) and triple- (G + 2) storeyed buildings were designed using the Autodesk Revit tool. The developed models were analysed for energy efficiency using building information modelling. With respect to fly ash bricks, the CFBA brick model estimated a 5% reduction in number of bricks as well as the dead load of the structure and resulted in peak cooling load reduction by 8, 11 and 15% for G, G + 1 and G + 2 storeyed buildings, respectively.

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