Effect of intensity of compaction on crushing strength of indigenous baked clay

Abstract

Compressive strength can be modified and improved by applying compaction through compression. This study is a part of an ongoing study relating to the study of baked clay reinforced beams, in terms of flexural stresses. This paper presents the relation of cube crushing strength of baked clay and the intensity of compaction during casting. Laboratory size clay beams were cast from a moist mixture of indigenous clay and pit sand. These beams were compacted in filter press condition at various intensities of compaction. After drying, these beams were baked and cubes were cut. The results show that with increasing rate of compaction, density of the beams also increased, which resulted in relative increase in the cube crushing strength of baked clay. The compressive strength of baked clay cubes obtained is 50% more than design cube crushing strength of concrete.