Advances in Sustainable Masonry Bricks and Blocks: Design Optimization, Bio-based Materials Incorporation, and Industrial Waste Valorization

Advances in Sustainable Masonry Bricks and Blocks: Design Optimization, Bio-based Material Incorporation, and Industrial Waste Valorization is a comprehensive reference resource that addresses the latest advancements and innovations in this field. This book explores novel sustainable masonry innovations in design optimization, bio-based materials, and industrial waste valorization. Part I investigates novel structural strategies—topological interlocking blocks modeled and fabricated in UHPC with an MCDM framework for reusability, a PRISMA-guided review of hygrothermal performance in insulated composite masonry, and a self-sensing brick system enabling continuous structural health monitoring. Part II delves into bio-reinforcements: Juncus-fiber–stabilized compressed earth blocks, fiber-reinforced soil units, glycoprotein stabilizers inspired by termite mounds, lime-hemp and sugarcane bagasse insulation for CEB walls, waste-glass–infused clay bricks, and rice-husk-ash geopolymer blocks. Part III valorizes community and industrial by-products—paper, plastics, bagasse ash, marble and stone dust, coal ash—into fired and unfired masonry, and applies geopolymers to stabilize earth materials. Across experimental research, systematic reviews, full-scale testing, and case studies, it advances durable, high-performance bricks and blocks with reduced environmental impact.