Constructive Sludge Management: Biobrick

Abstract

Brick can be made with wastewater sludge. Bench‐scale experimentation indicated that conventional clay and shale ingredients for brick could be partially supplemented with sludge. These so‐called “biobrick” had the look, feel, and smell of regular brick. Compliance with appropriate ASTM criteria for severe weathering (SW) grade brick has been routinely maintained by specimens produced with volumetric sludge additions of less than 25 to 30%. Experimental progression to full‐scale evaluation then yielded more than 500,000 brick. These latter specimens are now being sold at standard commercial prices. Two recreational‐type structures have been constructed with “biobrick” and another two maintenance buildings will soon be erected at wastewater treatment plants in the Washington, D.C., area.