Review on Development of a Portable Machine for Lifting Bricks/ Other Material for Civil Constructional Works.

Material handling in civil construction remains one of the most labor-intensive and hazardous operations, particularly in small- and medium-scale projects where advanced lifting equipment is often unavailable due to cost, size, and power constraints. Manual lifting of bricks to elevated floors leads to reduced productivity, increased worker fatigue, and a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This review paper presents a comprehensive study of existing brick lifting and material handling systems used in civil construction, with a specific focus on portable, low-cost, and energy-efficient lifting mechanisms. Various traditional and modern lifting methods, including manual handling, rope-and-pulley systems, hoists, cranes, and motorized lifting devices, are reviewed and classified based on portability, power requirement, cost, safety, and operational efficiency. A comparative analysis highlights the limitations of existing systems in addressing the needs of small construction sites. Based on this analysis, critical research gaps and challenges are identified, emphasizing the need for compact, battery-operated, and adaptable lifting solutions. Finally, future research directions are proposed, focusing on solar-powered systems, automation, ergonomic design, and smart control integration. The review supports the development of a portable brick lifting machine as a viable solution for sustainable and safe construction practices.