This work describes a reseach carried out on the manufacture of ceramic elements through the addition of brick powder to clay. Brick powder can the defined as a waste resulted from processing of ceramic materials. That experiment was developed using seven different clay samples from pottery located in the surroundings of UFSM. This material was used to study the following variables: basic clay, proportion of each component of the mixture, moisture drift to the moulding and burning temperature. The main physical and mechanical characteristics observed were: drying linear retraction, rupture tension, fire damage, burning linear contraction, water absorption, porosity, apparent specific mass and starting suction. Results indicate that it is possible to add homogeneized brick powder to clay in order to manufacture ceramic elements in an ideal proportion and burnt at a suitable temperature.The rupture tension and water absorption results satisfy the requirements established by brazilian rules, as well as brick powder addition controlled the retraction of the elements. Also, it can be concluded that the addition of brick powder to clay allows for a useful final destination to ceramic waste obtaining good quality products and avoiding environment pollution.
