Thesis proposal – Optimising the Mix of Interlocking Bricks

EWB partner Build up Nepal (BUN) was established following the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu. BUN focuses on promoting compressed bricks made from a mixture of stone dust or soil, cement, and water. These bricks are produced using machines provided to small enterprises. 
Since start BUN has supported over 200 small companies, contributing to the construction of more than 10,000 houses across Nepal. Their efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions and created over 2,000 full-time jobs, 25 % women. Interlocking bricks, designed like LEGO blocks, are BUN's main product. These bricks are easy to assemble and also earthquake-resistant, making them particularly suitable for construction in earthquake-prone regions like Nepal.

In 2024, an exam work revealed that increasing the water content in the brick mix could significantly enhance strength due to improved workability. A specific change from 6% to 10% water has iBUN has also begun retraining enterprises on this new method, which will be followed by continuous monitoring to ensure consistency. 
The key question is whether more water can be added to the mix while considering potential risks such as bricks breaking during production, alterations in surface texture and changes in other performance parameters. The compressive strength must be maintained at the target level with minimal variation. The ultimate objective is to reduce cement content further without compromising brick quality, measured by compressive strength.