AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTRIZATION OF OTUKPO CLAY FOR FIRED BRICK PRODUCTION IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE
Keywords:
Clay Soil, Characterization, Atterberg Limit, X-Ray Diffraction, Fired BricksAbstract
The study investigated the prospects of producing burnt bricks in Otukpo. Atterberg limits, Specific gravity, Grain size and Hydrometer analysis were determined. The value of the liquid limit and plastic limit at zero percent stabilization found to be 34% and 24% respectively. The plasticity index found to be 10%. Minimum linear shrinkage and specific gravity determined to be 7.1% and 2.60 respectively. The particle size distribution and hydrolysis test show the description of the soil which is Sandy-Clay Silt. X-ray Florescence analysis performed on raw and burnt bricks showed that the clay soil comprises mainly Silica-SiO2 (15%), Iron-FeO (17.7%), Alumina-Al2O3 (5.9%) and other compounds. The study showed that the soil was mainly metakaolin (Al2Si2O7). Alumina and silica were responsible for the strength and thermal stability while the aesthetic nature is due to Iron II oxide. Water absorption rate of 8.3% observed, with compressive strength of the burnt brick determined. A minimum compressive strength of 0.67N/mm2 attained, which is less than the minimum standard. The results suggested that for the soil to produce bricks of highest strength, various admixtures needed to be added. The produced bricks were found to be adequate for utilization as non-load bearing bricks of class II, based on BS 3921 specifications.
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