Valuation of investment in processing plant for waste from ceramic brick and tile industry

Abstract

The production of ceramic bricks and tiles is accompanied by the generation of about 5 % of waste materials developed during the firing process. These waste materials have the potential to be crushed and used for the preparation of pozzolanic mortars which could have significant environmental benefits in terms of reducing the volume of aggregate extraction and content of cement. One of the emerging opportunities is the development of regional resource synergies where this waste material, as a by-product, is re-used by mortar producers in the region. Employing this practice can result in an improved utilization of these waste materials, which would otherwise be discharged to landfi{ligature}ll and displacement, and in the reduced use of stone aggregate materials and cement. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the economic viability of this waste when used in the pozzolanic mortars production. In addition, the research provides the assessment of the ability to influence the national economic policy in respect to the application of the observed waste. Overall results indicate a significant potential in their application. Key-point for the economic viability of the waste recycling is the transportation cost, according to which the distance from the brick manufacturer to the place of use should not exceed 100-150 km. In the case-study, there are almost 10 brick factories within this radius.