Optimum utilization of sludge generated from sewage treatment plants at SRM University, Kattankulathur.

The rapid growth in today's construction industry has obliged the civil engineers in searching for more efficient and durable alternatives far beyond the limitations of the conventional brick production. Several studies conducted to use the sludge into making of building materials. The sewage treatment plant (STP) sludge is extremely close to the brick clay in chemical composition. The study made with an attempt of experimental investigation of reusing the waste products like STP sludge by making suitable bricks for building construction. It gives a solution for disposal of sludge into open land without legal permission that increases pollution load and also reduces the problems like cost expenditure involves in handling the waste management and its effect on environment. The overall objective is to incorporate the huge quantity of STP sludge generated in the sewage treatment plant located at SRM University campus. The characteristics of the sludge have been studied to suit the replacement of clay/silt combination in making of bricks with the major factors like temperature resistance and water absorption without compromising the strength of the bricks. The mix proportion with corresponding percentage of sludge content as a replacement in making the good product bricks at the range of 10 to 30% of mass for a 13 to 15% optimum moisture content prepared in the mixture and burning at 950°C for 6 hrs. It was observed that 10% of sludge content in the sludge-clay bricks results high compressive strength when compared to conventional clay bricks. It was concluded that the stabilized sludge can be utilized as brick material without affecting the prescribed strength by controlling the operating conditions. Further, the study concluded optimum utilization of sludge as an additive to sludge-clay bricks as one of the available disposal options for SRM University sewage treatment plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]