Investigation of the Physical Properties of Uruan Clay Soil Used for Manufacturing of Burnt Bricks

Abstract

This work evaluates the physical properties of clay used for manufacturing of burnt bricks inIfiayong,Uruan Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State, South Eastern Nigeria. The clay was sampled for physical tests which includenatural moisture content, sieving analysis, consistency limit (Atterberg limit), specific gravity, water absorption, compaction, compressive strength and porosity. The bricks produced under standard compaction methods gave cold water absorption of 1.75%;compressive strength between 1.30N/mm² and 1.43N/mm²; plastic limit of 51%; porosity of 0.99% and Atterberg liquid limit of 80.5%.The bricks on examination exhibited change in colour due to thermal stress (high temperature). If properly harnessed, these widely available raw materials and their cheap products will readily substitute cement blocks for most housing, and other structural workas well as ceramic production.

Keywords: Clay, burnt bricks, compressive strength, engineering properties, Aterberg limits, ceramic production.