Pflug, Stefan Uwe

Diploma Thesis:
2025

Topic:
Reprocessing of used bricks - a building process, economic and ecological potential study

Editor:
Stefan Uwe Pflug 

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. (BA) Robert Jahn, M. Sc.

Editing Period:
25.03.2025 until 29.07.2025

Abstract:
Alongside concrete, brick masonry is one of the most commonly used building materials in construction and stores a considerable amount of gray energy, offering high potential for reuse. This thesis investigates how adhering cement mortar can be separated from bricks efficiently, non-destructively, and automatically. Our own series of experiments, patent searches, and studies on demolition and 
processing methods form the basis for the development of a modular machine design. This combines sawing and grinding stations, transport units, AI-supported robotics, and computer vision. In ecological terms, reuse saves around 0.4 kg CO₂ eq. per brick compared to new production. Reuse is not currently economically viable in the life cycle. 
Expert surveys show that complex demolition processes, a lack of processing capacity, and inadequate information structures are hindering the reuse of bricks. Technical innovations, digital material registers, and component exchanges, as well as adapted economic and legal framework conditions, are needed to overcome these obstacles.