This study investigates the co-valorization of red brick waste (RBW) as a partial replacement for tuff in desert road construction. Tuff, widely used in Algeria’s Saharan roads, is a non-renewable volcanic material whose exploitation raises serious environmental concerns. The incorporation of RBW provides a sustainable alternative by reducing reliance on natural tuff reserves while simultaneously diverting construction waste from landfills, contributing to resource preservation and pollution reduction. To assess this approach, experimental mixtures were prepared with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% RBW, and their physical and mechanical behavior was evaluated through a comprehensive laboratory testing program. The methodology included Modified Proctor compaction tests to determine optimal moisture and density conditions, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests to assess load-bearing capacity, and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests to evaluate strength development, all conducted under controlled conditions. Results revealed that the mixture containing 20% RBW exhibited the most favorable performance, achieving a UCS of 5.05 MPa and a CBR value of 83.53%, representing a significant improvement compared to tuff alone. The 30% RBW mixture also satisfied technical standards with a UCS of 2.8 MPa and a CBR value of 80.19%. These findings demonstrate that integrating RBW with tuff offers a practical and environmentally sustainable solution for road construction in desert regions.
