Mechanical Properties of Cement-Clay Interlocking (CCI) Hollow Bricks

Abstract

In this paper, an investigative study on mechanical properties of CCI hollow bricks, for example, compressive strength, modulus of rupture, splitting tensile strength, water absorption capacity and heat transfer is conducted. The experimental program is divided into two parts. In the 1st part, bricks from three different regions (A, B and C having different soil stratum) of Thailand were collected and their mechanical properties were investigated. The mechanical properties of CCI hollow bricks of region A were observed relatively very low as compared to other regions. The compressive strength values of region A bricks were found even below the standard values required by Thai Community Product Standards (TCPS). Then, in the 2nd part, change in three mix design ratios followed by sand, cement and fly ash for region A have been exercised to observe their effects on mechanical properties of bricks from said region. Results showed significant improvements as compared with previous results obtained in first part of the experimental program. Also, a cost-benefit analysis was performed to observe the effect of the manufacturing cost on the mechanical properties of CCI hollow bricks in Thailand. It has been investigated that the brick samples with more cement content (from region C, Mix – 2 & Mix – 3) are relatively expensive as compared with other brick samples with less cement content (from region A, region B & Mix – 1).