Introduction.

Currently, the use of biosolids as residual additions in the production of ceramic materials for non-structural construction is being studied. One of these is the partial replacement of clay used in the production of bricks, which brings important environmental and economic benefits.

Objective.

The present research evaluated the physical-mechanical behavior of biosolids - clay mixtures in experimental units for use as nonstructural construction material.

Materials and methods.

A characterization of biosolids and clays was made and 60 ceramic bricks were developed to determine the optimal addition percentages of the mixtures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 30%), in order to identify the best response to compression and water absorption tests (capillary, submerged and boiling). 6 pattern bricks (100% clay) were also developed.

Results.

The average resistances evidenced in the results were 27.1 MPa, meeting the minimum limits set in the NTC-4205 Tor structural (20 MPa) and nonstructural (14 MPa) masonry.

Conclusions.

The ceramic bricks with optimal percentage of biosolids are those with 5, 10 and 15% additions, which presented greater resistance than the pattern bricks in all tests, indicating that the addition of biosolids to the clay mixture in the manufacturing of ceramic bricks guarantees technical feasibility, because they meet the quality standards established by the Colombian Technical Standards.