Jan 2019 - May 2019

Sand Shield

Jan 2019 - May 2019

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Egypt’s old brick-making uses high-heat kilns that cause pollution and waste energy. We reviewed current fixes like recycling and renewables but found a need for greener building materials.

Solution Design & Prototype Development:
We created type of brick using bacteria called Sporosarcina pasteurii to stick sand grains together without using heat. The materials were urea, calcium chloride, and desert sand. We worked to grow the bacteria well and added a waterproof mix to make the bricks last longer. The mold was carefully designed using 3D modeling.

Prototype Testing & Results:
Tests were promising showing sufficient compressive strength for real-life applications. The brick was lighter than regular bricks, absorbed less water, and costed less to make.

My Role & Learnings:
I took care of growing the bacteria, adjusted chemical amounts, and worked with labs to keep everything clean and test the bricks. We solved problems like contamination and waterproofing through trial and error. This project helped me learn a lot about using bacteria in engineering and building in an eco-friendly way. Next steps could include using limestone waste and proteins to make stronger bricks.