Evaluation of Properties of Makurdi Lateritic Clay-Rice Husk Ash Bricks for Pavements.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) on the burnt properties of the Makurdi lateritic clay. Three (3) to 15 % RHA was blended with the clay. Compressive Strength and Water Absorption test were conducted on each admixture. The clay bricks were burnt at three different temperature levels 700⁰C, 800⁰C and 900⁰C to ascertain the compressive strength property of the clay with temperature variation.  The result showed that the plasticity index reduced gradually and had a minimum value of 19.23% at 9 % RHA. The average compressive strength and water absorption of burnt bricks at 700⁰C attained a maximum value of 4.79 MN/m² and minimum value of 16.36 % at 0 % RHA.

Keywords: Rice Husk Ash, compressive strength, clay brick, water absorption.