An investigation of a site in Coal Measures for brickmaking materials: an illustration of procedures

Abstract

Mudrocks of Coal Measures age are used extensively in the United Kingdom for making bricks. When a new brick pit is to be developed in such mudrocks an assessment has to be made of their geotechnical properties, notably their strength and durability in relation to the evaluation of slope stability of the sides of the pit. The influence of discontinuities on the stability of slopes also has to be taken into account. Groundwater conditions are another factor which require assessment since flooding of the brick pit must be avoided. Mudrocks in the Coal Measures generally are interbedded with siltstones and sandstones. Hence, one of the factors which a site exploration must determine is the proportion of material to be worked that is available for brickmaking purposes as opposed to how much material represents waste. Obviously, not only must the quantity be determined but so must the quality. The quality of the mudrock can be ascertained by chemical and mineralogical analyses. In this instance mineralogical assessment was made by X-ray diffraction and Keeling's method. The carbon and sulphur contents of the raw material were determined, as were the physical properties of brickquettes made from it. The material appeared to be highly suitable.