The salt attack of Fired Clay Bricks (FCBs) causes surface damage that is aesthetically displeasing and eventually leads to structural damage. Methods for determining the resistances of FCBs to salt weathering have mainly tried to simulate the process by using accelerating aging tests. Most research in this area has concentrated on the types of salt that can cause damage and the damage that occurs during accelerated aging tests. This approach has lead to the use of accelerated aging tests as standard methods for determining resistance. Recently, it has been acknowledged that are not the most reliable way to determine salt attack resistance for all FCBs in all environments. Few researchers have examined FCBs with the aim of determining which material and mechanical properties make a FCB resistant to salt attack. The aim of this study was to identify the properties that were significant to the resistance of FCBs to salt attack. In doing so, this study aids in the development of a better test method to assess the resistance of FCBs to salt attack. The current Australian Standard accelerated aging test was used to measure the resistance of eight FCBs to salt attack using sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. The results of these tests were compared to the water absorption properties and the total porosity of FCBs. An empirical relationship was developed between the twenty-four-hour water absorption value and the number of cycles to failure from sodium sulfate tests. The volume of sodium chloride solution was found to be proportional to the total porosity of FCBs in this study. A phenomenological discussion of results led to a new mechanism being presented to explain the derivation of stress during salt crystallisation of anhydrous and hydratable salts. The mechanical properties of FCBs were measured using compression tests. FCBs were analysed as cellular materials to find that the elastic modules of FCBs was equivalent for extruded FCBs that had been fired a similar temperatures and time. Two samples were found to have significantly different elastic moduli of the solid microstructure. One of these samples was a pressed brick that was stiffer due to the extra bond that is obtained during sintering a closely packed structure. The other sample was an extruded brick that had more firing temperature and time compared with the other samples in this study. A non-destructive method was used to measure the indentation hardness and indentation stress-strain properties of FCBs. The indentation hardness of FCBs was found to be proportional to the uniaxial compression strength. In addition, the indentation hardness had a better linear correlation to the total porosity of FCBs except for those samples that had different elastic moduli of the solid microstructure. Fractography of exfoliated particles during salt cycle tests and compression tests showed there was a similar pattern of fracture during each failure. The results indicate there were inherent properties of a FCB that determines the size and shape of fractured particles during salt attack. The microstructural variables that determined the fracture properties of FCBs were shown to be important variables to include in future models that attempt to estimate the resistance of FCBs to salt attack.

Le recyclage ou la réutilisation des déchets de démolition de maisons individuelles, de petits collectifs et de sites industriels édifiés en terre cuite, est actuellement limité par la présence de déchets composites, formés par l’assemblage de terre cuite, de mortier et / ou de plâtre principalement. Dans l’optique de valoriser la terre cuite dans la même filière ou dans d’autres secteurs industriels, la présence de plâtre, pouvant générer des ions sulfates au contact de l’eau, est un obstacle. La principal option de fin de vie des déchets de terre cuite en mélange est ainsi l’enfouissement en installation de stockage de classe 3. Le but de cette thèse a été de développer une méthode de séparation des déchets de démolition de terre cuite, plus intéressante d’un point de vue environnemental que l’enfouissement, et permettant de récupérer des matières premières secondaires de terre cuite valorisables dans des filières pertinentes. Une étude du gisement a été réalisée afin d’établir la nature des assemblages en présence dans les déchets de déconstruction et de fournir des échantillons représentatifs. Ces échantillons ont permis la détermination des mécanismes d’adhésion des interfaces. Une méthode de séparation a ainsi été développée et la compatibilité des matières premières secondaires de terre cuite a été comparée vis-à-vis de trois filières de valorisation. / Recycling or reuse of demolition waste from individual houses, small collectives and industrial sites built with fired clay bricks, is currently limited by the presence of mixed waste, which is mainly an assembly of fired clay bricks, mortar and gypsum. In the perspective to valorize fired clay waste from demolition, the presence of gypsum, which may contain sulfates, is a restriction. Currently, the main end-of-life option for non-dissociated fired clay waste is the landfilling in waste storage facilities of class 3. The aim of this PhD thesis is to develop a separation process of mixed fired clay waste, environmentally more friendly than landfilling, in order to recover and valorize secondary raw materials in relevant industrial sectors. A study of the deposit has been done to identify the nature of the mixed demolition waste and to supply representative waste samples. Those samples enable to define the adhesion mechanisms at the interfaces. Then, a separation method has been developed. Finally, three routes have been investigated in order to valorize the recovered clay bricks.

The optimization of the production of fired clay brick is essential in order to maintain a sustainable industry in Ontario. While there exists areas for improvement of the properties of bricks used in severe climates, concerns including non-renewable resource depletion, increasing energy costs, and waste management have become increasingly important in Canadian and global industries. One method to address these concerns is the use of waste additives as fluxing agents in bricks. While a fluxing agent reduces the firing temperature required for sintering of the brick and improves properties, the use of a waste additive can decrease the dependency of the industry or non-renewable resources such as mined clay or crushed shale. Waste additives can improve strength durability, and absorptive properties, while decreasing firing temperature, and diverting waste from landfills. A testing program was developed to determine the effects of several variables in brick production, including extrusion and firing, and to investigate the effect of the addition of non-recycled waste glass in the properties of fired clay brick. The addition was varied in the particle size of the waste glass and the percentage by mass of additive. The effects of waste glass addition were determined in terms of absorption, strength, and freeze-thaw durability of the individual specimens. Microstructure was also investigated using SEM images and mercury intrusion porosimetry to determine the effect on pore structure and vitrified matrix of the bricks. The results of the testing program determined an optimal addition of waste glass, and the expected effects of the implementation of this addition to the production of fired clay brick in an industrial setting. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

A study has been made of the enhancement of the mechanical strength of bricks fabricated from five Sri Lankan Quaternary and post-Quaternary brick clays with the objective of identifying and optimising those factors which control the quality and performance characteristics of fired clay products of this type. Mineralogical investigations have shown that the clays are predominantly kaolinitic. Of the accessory minerals, feldspars and gibbsite are the chief constituents. The experimental programme involved the development of feasible processing techniques for clay bodies, the establishment of optimum heat treatments for their firing, and the testing and evaluation of material properties of the fired products. The microstructures of fired materials have been characterized using optical and electron microscopical techniques, as well as X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis and chemical analysis. A limited study was also made of the durability of laboratory fired specimens. Methods of strength enhancement included use of the reactions of phosphates with natural clays, use of mineralizers to induce mullitization and surface coating by an efflorescence process. A kinetic analysis based on the first order kinetics is proposed for the estimation of optimum firing conditions for kaolinitic clays. The study has shown that surface coating of bricks increases the load at the elastic limit by up to 30% and the ultimate failing load by 19% in the clays examined. The measured increases in modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity are over 33% and 40% respectively. A fabrication technique which requires the incorporation of phosphates has been developed. This provides the possibility of lowering the peak temperature of firing to 500°C. Flexural strength increase of up to 60% over the normally fired unbonded specimens can be achieved using this technique. Relevant compatibility relations in the ternary system Si02- P205-AI203 at 500'C are proposed. The presence of an optimum amount of mineralizer in a clay body may alter its sintering characteristics resulting in an increase in modulus of rupture up to 55%. However, uncontrolled additions exceeding 4 wt% cause deleterious effects. Microstructural analysis provides evidence that liquid phase sintering, development of mullite, development of pores and bloating are the dominant strength determining features in these clays. An empirical equation correlating the functional relation between modulus of rupture, mullite content and porosity is proposed. Mechanisms of strength development are discussed in the light of these findings.

No / To obtain accurate results in the RHX dating of ceramics, it is essential that the RHX measurements are continued until the rate of mass gain is constant with (time)1/4. In this paper, we discuss how the initial stages of mass gain are affected by the specific surface area (SSA) of the ceramic material. The paper provides guidance on experimental protocols to avoid dating results being distorted by relatively early-time mass gain data.

No / In rehydroxylation (RHX) dating, the activation energy of the rehydroxylation reaction is required first in the estimate of a material's effective lifetime temperature (ELT), and second to correct the RHX rate constant obtained at a given measurement temperature to that at the ELT. Measurement of the activation energy is thus integral to the RHX methodology. In this paper, we report a temperature-step method for the measurement of activation energy and develop fully the underlying theoretical basis. In contrast to obtaining the activation energy from a series of separate experiments (each of which requires the sample to be dehydroxylated prior to measuring the RHX rate constant), the temperature-step method not only requires a single dehydroxylation at 500°C but also eliminates repeated acquisition of Stage I data, which are not required for dating purposes. Since the first temperature step is set to correspond to the temperature at which a dating determination is carried out, the measurement of rate constants at higher temperatures simply becomes an extension of dating. Consequently, the logistics of obtaining the activation energy of rehydroxylation are greatly simplified.

A alvenaria estrutural é um dos mais antigos sistemas construtivos existentes. Atualmente estruturas em alvenaria encontram uma vasta aplicação em construções residenciais, sobretudo em obras de interesse social. No entanto, ao contrário das estruturas de concreto, cujo comportamento durante exposição ao fogo e sua resistência residual tem estudos e resultados amplamente disseminados, pouco se sabe a respeito do comportamento de estruturas de alvenaria submetidas à ocorrência de sinistros dessa natureza. Com a intensificação das preocupações acerca da segurança das edificações e de seus usuários em situações de incêndio, faz-se cada vez mais imprescindível o conhecimento do comportamento dos sistemas empregados atualmente na construção civil perante a ação de altas temperaturas. Tendo isso em vista, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo a realização de uma análise dos danos e do comportamento apresentados por amostras de alvenaria com função estrutural ao serem expostas ao aquecimento excessivo. Foram avaliadas nesse estudo paredes de pequenas dimensões executadas com blocos estruturais cerâmicos. Visando simular condições mais próximas da realidade, foram restringidas, com o auxílio de macacos hidráulicos, as laterais das amostras, para que houvesse contenção da dilatação das mesmas. Com o intuito de verificar diferentes tipologias de alvenarias, foram utilizados três blocos distintos: de 14 cm de largura, com resistências de 7 e 10 MPa, e de 19 cm de largura, com 7 MPa de resistência à compressão. Também foram variadas as espessuras das juntas entre as unidades e a argamassa de assentamento das mesmas, a fim de compreender a importância desses fatores para o comportamento das amostras, e, por fim, foram ensaiadas amostras com revestimento na face exposta As miniparedes foram acopladas a um forno de resistências elétricas e submetidas a um aquecimento próximo à curva padrão determinada por norma, até a temperatura máxima de 950ºC, a qual foi mantida pelo período de 4 horas. Foram mensurados, além da temperatura dentro do forno, no interior da parede e na superfície das amostras, os deslocamentos transversais ocorridos durante o ensaio. Também se utilizaram transdutores de deslocamento para verificar a dilatação dos blocos e o esmagamento ou abertura das juntas. Imagens termográficas da face oposta ao aquecimento foram capturadas no decorrer da exposição. Ao final das análises, pôde-se inferir que as miniparedes ensaiadas apresentaram bom desempenho frente à ação das altas temperaturas, mantendo sua estanqueidade, isolamento térmico e resistência mecânica. A restrição lateral não ocasionou desplacamentos dos blocos, no entanto, pôde-se observar transferência de tensão para os mesmos quando utilizadas nas juntas argamassas pouco flexíveis. O deslocamento transversal apresentado pelas amostras indicou deflexão em direção ao forno durante o aquecimento, com posterior reversão do sentido. Tal deflexão foi atenuada pela redução da espessura das juntas, pelo uso de argamassas menos flexíveis e pelo aumento da resistência e largura dos blocos. As alvenarias de 19 cm de largura e, especialmente, as dotadas de revestimento apresentaram melhor desempenho térmico que as demais. / Structural masonry is one of the oldest existing building systems. Nowadays, masonry structures find a wide application in residential constructions, mainly in those with social interest. However, unlike concrete structures, whose behavior during fire exposure and its residual resistance have widely disseminated studies and results, there is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of masonry structures submitted to fire. Because of the spread of concerns about the safety of buildings and their users in fire situations, it becomes essential to know the behavior of the systems currently used in civil construction when exposed to high temperatures. With this in view, the present study intended to analyze the damage and the behavior of structural masonry samples exposed to heating. This study evaluated clay hollow-bricks small walls, and, in order to simulate real conditions, the boundaries of the samples were restrained, with the aid of hydraulic jacks, aiming to restrain the deformation. In order to verify different types of masonry, three different blocks were used: 14 cm wide, with nominal strength of 7 and 10 MPa, and 19 cm wide, with 7 MPa of compressive strength. The thicknesses of the joints and the mortar were also varied, in order to understand the importance of these factors in the behavior of the samples, and, finally, samples were tested with a mono-layer coating at the exposed face. The small walls were coupled to an electrical furnace and subjected to a heating approximately equal to the standard curve, up to the maximum temperature of 950ºC, which was maintained for 4 hours The deflections of the samples during the test were measured, beyond the temperature inside the furnace, in the center of wall and at the non-exposed surface. Clip gages were also used to verify the expansion of the blocks and the crushing or opening of the mortar joints. Thermographic images of the opposite face were captured during the testing. At the end of this research, it was possible to affirm that the walls had good behavior against the high temperatures, maintaining their integrity, thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity. The restriction of the boundaries did not cause the spalling of the blocks, however, it was possible to observe the stress transfer to them in samples with rigid joint mortar. The deflection of the samples increases towards the furnace during the heating, and, then, they show the phenomenon of “reverse bowing”, changing the direction of the displacements. Reducing the thickness and increasing the stiffness of the joint mortars, as well as the increase in block strength and width attenuated such deflection. The masonry 19 cm width and, specially, the ones with coating shows better thermal performance, comparing to the others.

A alvenaria estrutural é um dos mais antigos sistemas construtivos existentes. Atualmente estruturas em alvenaria encontram uma vasta aplicação em construções residenciais, sobretudo em obras de interesse social. No entanto, ao contrário das estruturas de concreto, cujo comportamento durante exposição ao fogo e sua resistência residual tem estudos e resultados amplamente disseminados, pouco se sabe a respeito do comportamento de estruturas de alvenaria submetidas à ocorrência de sinistros dessa natureza. Com a intensificação das preocupações acerca da segurança das edificações e de seus usuários em situações de incêndio, faz-se cada vez mais imprescindível o conhecimento do comportamento dos sistemas empregados atualmente na construção civil perante a ação de altas temperaturas. Tendo isso em vista, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo a realização de uma análise dos danos e do comportamento apresentados por amostras de alvenaria com função estrutural ao serem expostas ao aquecimento excessivo. Foram avaliadas nesse estudo paredes de pequenas dimensões executadas com blocos estruturais cerâmicos. Visando simular condições mais próximas da realidade, foram restringidas, com o auxílio de macacos hidráulicos, as laterais das amostras, para que houvesse contenção da dilatação das mesmas. Com o intuito de verificar diferentes tipologias de alvenarias, foram utilizados três blocos distintos: de 14 cm de largura, com resistências de 7 e 10 MPa, e de 19 cm de largura, com 7 MPa de resistência à compressão. Também foram variadas as espessuras das juntas entre as unidades e a argamassa de assentamento das mesmas, a fim de compreender a importância desses fatores para o comportamento das amostras, e, por fim, foram ensaiadas amostras com revestimento na face exposta As miniparedes foram acopladas a um forno de resistências elétricas e submetidas a um aquecimento próximo à curva padrão determinada por norma, até a temperatura máxima de 950ºC, a qual foi mantida pelo período de 4 horas. Foram mensurados, além da temperatura dentro do forno, no interior da parede e na superfície das amostras, os deslocamentos transversais ocorridos durante o ensaio. Também se utilizaram transdutores de deslocamento para verificar a dilatação dos blocos e o esmagamento ou abertura das juntas. Imagens termográficas da face oposta ao aquecimento foram capturadas no decorrer da exposição. Ao final das análises, pôde-se inferir que as miniparedes ensaiadas apresentaram bom desempenho frente à ação das altas temperaturas, mantendo sua estanqueidade, isolamento térmico e resistência mecânica. A restrição lateral não ocasionou desplacamentos dos blocos, no entanto, pôde-se observar transferência de tensão para os mesmos quando utilizadas nas juntas argamassas pouco flexíveis. O deslocamento transversal apresentado pelas amostras indicou deflexão em direção ao forno durante o aquecimento, com posterior reversão do sentido. Tal deflexão foi atenuada pela redução da espessura das juntas, pelo uso de argamassas menos flexíveis e pelo aumento da resistência e largura dos blocos. As alvenarias de 19 cm de largura e, especialmente, as dotadas de revestimento apresentaram melhor desempenho térmico que as demais. / Structural masonry is one of the oldest existing building systems. Nowadays, masonry structures find a wide application in residential constructions, mainly in those with social interest. However, unlike concrete structures, whose behavior during fire exposure and its residual resistance have widely disseminated studies and results, there is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of masonry structures submitted to fire. Because of the spread of concerns about the safety of buildings and their users in fire situations, it becomes essential to know the behavior of the systems currently used in civil construction when exposed to high temperatures. With this in view, the present study intended to analyze the damage and the behavior of structural masonry samples exposed to heating. This study evaluated clay hollow-bricks small walls, and, in order to simulate real conditions, the boundaries of the samples were restrained, with the aid of hydraulic jacks, aiming to restrain the deformation. In order to verify different types of masonry, three different blocks were used: 14 cm wide, with nominal strength of 7 and 10 MPa, and 19 cm wide, with 7 MPa of compressive strength. The thicknesses of the joints and the mortar were also varied, in order to understand the importance of these factors in the behavior of the samples, and, finally, samples were tested with a mono-layer coating at the exposed face. The small walls were coupled to an electrical furnace and subjected to a heating approximately equal to the standard curve, up to the maximum temperature of 950ºC, which was maintained for 4 hours The deflections of the samples during the test were measured, beyond the temperature inside the furnace, in the center of wall and at the non-exposed surface. Clip gages were also used to verify the expansion of the blocks and the crushing or opening of the mortar joints. Thermographic images of the opposite face were captured during the testing. At the end of this research, it was possible to affirm that the walls had good behavior against the high temperatures, maintaining their integrity, thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity. The restriction of the boundaries did not cause the spalling of the blocks, however, it was possible to observe the stress transfer to them in samples with rigid joint mortar. The deflection of the samples increases towards the furnace during the heating, and, then, they show the phenomenon of “reverse bowing”, changing the direction of the displacements. Reducing the thickness and increasing the stiffness of the joint mortars, as well as the increase in block strength and width attenuated such deflection. The masonry 19 cm width and, specially, the ones with coating shows better thermal performance, comparing to the others.

A alvenaria estrutural é um dos mais antigos sistemas construtivos existentes. Atualmente estruturas em alvenaria encontram uma vasta aplicação em construções residenciais, sobretudo em obras de interesse social. No entanto, ao contrário das estruturas de concreto, cujo comportamento durante exposição ao fogo e sua resistência residual tem estudos e resultados amplamente disseminados, pouco se sabe a respeito do comportamento de estruturas de alvenaria submetidas à ocorrência de sinistros dessa natureza. Com a intensificação das preocupações acerca da segurança das edificações e de seus usuários em situações de incêndio, faz-se cada vez mais imprescindível o conhecimento do comportamento dos sistemas empregados atualmente na construção civil perante a ação de altas temperaturas. Tendo isso em vista, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo a realização de uma análise dos danos e do comportamento apresentados por amostras de alvenaria com função estrutural ao serem expostas ao aquecimento excessivo. Foram avaliadas nesse estudo paredes de pequenas dimensões executadas com blocos estruturais cerâmicos. Visando simular condições mais próximas da realidade, foram restringidas, com o auxílio de macacos hidráulicos, as laterais das amostras, para que houvesse contenção da dilatação das mesmas. Com o intuito de verificar diferentes tipologias de alvenarias, foram utilizados três blocos distintos: de 14 cm de largura, com resistências de 7 e 10 MPa, e de 19 cm de largura, com 7 MPa de resistência à compressão. Também foram variadas as espessuras das juntas entre as unidades e a argamassa de assentamento das mesmas, a fim de compreender a importância desses fatores para o comportamento das amostras, e, por fim, foram ensaiadas amostras com revestimento na face exposta As miniparedes foram acopladas a um forno de resistências elétricas e submetidas a um aquecimento próximo à curva padrão determinada por norma, até a temperatura máxima de 950ºC, a qual foi mantida pelo período de 4 horas. Foram mensurados, além da temperatura dentro do forno, no interior da parede e na superfície das amostras, os deslocamentos transversais ocorridos durante o ensaio. Também se utilizaram transdutores de deslocamento para verificar a dilatação dos blocos e o esmagamento ou abertura das juntas. Imagens termográficas da face oposta ao aquecimento foram capturadas no decorrer da exposição. Ao final das análises, pôde-se inferir que as miniparedes ensaiadas apresentaram bom desempenho frente à ação das altas temperaturas, mantendo sua estanqueidade, isolamento térmico e resistência mecânica. A restrição lateral não ocasionou desplacamentos dos blocos, no entanto, pôde-se observar transferência de tensão para os mesmos quando utilizadas nas juntas argamassas pouco flexíveis. O deslocamento transversal apresentado pelas amostras indicou deflexão em direção ao forno durante o aquecimento, com posterior reversão do sentido. Tal deflexão foi atenuada pela redução da espessura das juntas, pelo uso de argamassas menos flexíveis e pelo aumento da resistência e largura dos blocos. As alvenarias de 19 cm de largura e, especialmente, as dotadas de revestimento apresentaram melhor desempenho térmico que as demais. / Structural masonry is one of the oldest existing building systems. Nowadays, masonry structures find a wide application in residential constructions, mainly in those with social interest. However, unlike concrete structures, whose behavior during fire exposure and its residual resistance have widely disseminated studies and results, there is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of masonry structures submitted to fire. Because of the spread of concerns about the safety of buildings and their users in fire situations, it becomes essential to know the behavior of the systems currently used in civil construction when exposed to high temperatures. With this in view, the present study intended to analyze the damage and the behavior of structural masonry samples exposed to heating. This study evaluated clay hollow-bricks small walls, and, in order to simulate real conditions, the boundaries of the samples were restrained, with the aid of hydraulic jacks, aiming to restrain the deformation. In order to verify different types of masonry, three different blocks were used: 14 cm wide, with nominal strength of 7 and 10 MPa, and 19 cm wide, with 7 MPa of compressive strength. The thicknesses of the joints and the mortar were also varied, in order to understand the importance of these factors in the behavior of the samples, and, finally, samples were tested with a mono-layer coating at the exposed face. The small walls were coupled to an electrical furnace and subjected to a heating approximately equal to the standard curve, up to the maximum temperature of 950ºC, which was maintained for 4 hours The deflections of the samples during the test were measured, beyond the temperature inside the furnace, in the center of wall and at the non-exposed surface. Clip gages were also used to verify the expansion of the blocks and the crushing or opening of the mortar joints. Thermographic images of the opposite face were captured during the testing. At the end of this research, it was possible to affirm that the walls had good behavior against the high temperatures, maintaining their integrity, thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity. The restriction of the boundaries did not cause the spalling of the blocks, however, it was possible to observe the stress transfer to them in samples with rigid joint mortar. The deflection of the samples increases towards the furnace during the heating, and, then, they show the phenomenon of “reverse bowing”, changing the direction of the displacements. Reducing the thickness and increasing the stiffness of the joint mortars, as well as the increase in block strength and width attenuated such deflection. The masonry 19 cm width and, specially, the ones with coating shows better thermal performance, comparing to the others.

L’argile est une ressource locale, abondante mais peu valorisée au Bénin. Le recyclage des déchets constitue de nos jours, un enjeu majeur au niveau mondial. Les briques d’argile cuite sont des matériaux à fort tonnage de production capables d’absorber différents produits considérés comme des déchets. Cette thèse vise d’une part la valorisation des matériaux de construction localement disponibles au Bénin, notamment l’argile et d’autre part, le recyclage des déchets en construction. Ainsi, nous nous proposons de valoriser des bouteilles en verre non recyclés et des cendres issues de la combustion du charbon de bois lors de la préparation des repas au Bénin, dans la matrice argileuse destinée à l’élaboration de briques cuites. Le but est de ressortir les formulations idéales des produits qui présentent des propriétés physiques et mécaniques suffisantes. Les études ont montré que le dosage de 5% des cendres de bois du Bénin et 20% de verres broyés favorise un gain de résistance à la traction par flexion trois points sans modifier la résistance à la compression des blocs d’argile cuits de Zogbodomey et de Sèmè-Podji. En outre, le dosage en ajout ne modifie pas les propriétés thermiques des blocs cuits. L’utilisation des cendres de charbon de bois et des déchets de verre comme matières premières secondaires dans la fabrication de briques cuites constitue alors un grand atout pour l’amélioration du cadre de vie des béninois. / Clay is a local resource, abundant but little valued in Benin. Waste recycling is nowadays a major issue at the global level. The fired clay bricks are high production tonnage materials capable of absorbing different products considered as waste. This thesis aims on the one hand the valuation of building materials locally available in Benin, including clay and secondly, the recycling of waste under construction. Thus, we propose to valorize nonrecycled glass bottles and ashes from the burning of charcoal during the preparation of meals in Benin, in the clay matrix for the preparation of cooked bricks. The goal is to highlight the ideal formulations of products that have sufficient physical and mechanical properties. Studies have shown that the 5% Benin wood ashes content and 20% crushed glass content increase the tensile strength by three-point bending without modifying the compressive strength of the Zogbodomey fired clay blocks from Seme-Podji. In addition, the addition dosage does not modify the thermal properties of the fired blocks. The use of wood ashes and glass waste as a secondary raw material in the manufacture of fired bricks is an effective alternative to land and environmental conservation, and it can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the building industry. These materials are then a great asset for improving the living environment in Benin.