Building with build rubble

[TungstenX]

Hi All,

I'm new here. I've search the Internet but can't find the answer to the following:

1. I have a lot of half and quarter bricks, used in an awful paving that I broke up. Can I use this to build a wall? The wall will be about 2.5 m high and 3 m long.

2. The previous owner left a few large (long, +- 3 m and thick +- 30x30cm) lintels. Can I use these as foundations for the wall? That is, put them in the foundation's ditch and fill the in betweens with concrete?

Best regards,
TX

 

[tony1851]

If they were used for paving, the bricks might be contaminated with sulphates and other salts. These will ultimately cause damage to the wall, particularly if it would be free-standing (?) and therefore permanently damp.

 

[TungstenX]

These are normal face bricks, broken in half or thirds and laid as paving.

 

[tony1851]

Makes no difference - if the bricks have been in long-term contact with the ground, they may have taken up salts from moisture in the ground.