Autoclaved brick from low-silicon tailings

The load-bearing brick is made from low-silicon tailings by pressing and autoclaving process, in the presence of alkali-activated slag/fly ash cementing material (AAFSC). Tailings accounts for 83% of the total mass of the brick. The compressive strength of the brick is up to 16.1 MPa, bending strength 3.8 MPa, and with low drying shrinkage and good freeze-thaw resistance. Some factors influencing the mechanical strength of the brick including forming pressure, forming water content and curing regime, are investigated. The hydration products, freeze-thaw durability and anti-carbonation characteristics of the products are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.