Abstract
The quality of brick is determined by its physical, mechanical and microstructure characteristics. The main objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of different types of bricks produced under various clay composition, different types of kiln used, and various firing temperature, and cooling process, which are considered as the major factors affecting the brick quality. A mixed-method approach was used to carry out this study. Both primary and secondary data were collected form field observations, discussions, lab experiments, and literature review. Literature review was done to identify the relationship between affecting factors and brick characteristics. The status of bricks produced was assessed through lab tests. The results from both methods were compared and discussed thoroughly. The purposive sampling method was adopted to collect brick samples from six different brick factories situated in Kathmandu and lab tests were carried out in the Engineering Material Lab at Institute of Engineering (IOE) Pulchowk Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal. Deformation, bulk density, water absorption capacity, and compressive strengths of sampled bricks were observed and then compared with standard code values as well as with previous findings. The study showed that none of the brick samples was found within the standard benchmarks, and the bulk density was low, however, the water absorption capacity and compressive strength values of all the sampled bricks were found to be within the allowable limit, even though they were close to the lower bound. The study also discussed technical, social and environment policy related issues that are important for producing and making the best use of quality bricks. The study results may be applied to other places where similar situation exists.
Highlights
Sample Collection By using purposive sampling method, the factories for brick sample collection were selected in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
It showed that none of the brands followed standard brick size as per NBC109-1994 [47]
The result of this study showed that the compressive strength of brick specimens varied from 3.72 to 20.16 MPa (Figure 12) which is within the allowable limit
Summary
Urbanization is increasing at an average rate of 6% per annum, driving the demand for bricks for housing commensurately [1]. Brick production rate in Nepal has increased sharply by 87.5% between 2009 and 2012 [3, 2] and it is increasing more drastically after devastating earthquake in 2015 [4]. Brick production in such a spectacular speed has been raising serious concern about the deteriorating brick quality [5], as most of the entrepreneurs jump for at any opportunities for making quick profits, but providing less attention in quality production [2]
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