Abstract

The rising cost of cement and concerns about waste management in Malaysia have encouraged the search for alternative construction materials. This study investigates the use of coconut husk ash (CHA) as a partial replacement for cement in compressed bricks. The objective was to compare the physical and mechanical properties of CHA bricks with conventional bricks, focusing on density, water absorption, and compressive strength. Bricks were prepared using a cement to sand ratio of 1:6, with 5%, 10%, and 15% CHA by volume. Standard laboratory procedures were applied to ensure consistent results. The results revealed a positive correlation between the compressive strength and CHA content, with higher CHA percentages enhancing strength. The density of CHA bricks increased with greater CHA content, indicating improved compactness and structural integrity. For instance, the 15% CHA brick exhibited the lowest water absorption value of 15.4% compared to 16.4% for the conventional brick. These findings demonstrate the potential of CHA as a sustainable alternative material for low-cost housing, offering improved physical and mechanical properties compared to conventional bricks.