Brick Samples Research Articles

Forensic investigations on 1900 years old brick and mortar samples from Buddhist stupa located at Nalasopara, India

A comprehensive understanding of the materials used and practices adopted during the construction of ancient structures becomes necessary in the realm of forensic civil engineering. In this study, forensic investigations on a 1900 years old Buddhist stupa located at Nalasopara (India) were conducted through comprehensive characterization of bricks and mud mortar samples of the structure. The overall conservation status of the bricks was investigated using a combination of techniques like BET-specific surface area, helium gas pycnometer, XRF, XRD, ATR-FTIR, Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, SEM-EDX and TG-DTA. Based on the comprehensive (by resorting to physical, chemical, mineralogical, morphological, thermal and porosity) characterization, it has been observed that the stupa was primarily constructed using normal and overfired bricks with firing temperatures varying between 700 and 900 °C. Moreover, the lateritic soil sourced to manufacture brick and mud mortar was excavated from the same geological formation.

Experimental investigation of the deformability of the masonry vault in church historical building

Masonry is a dominant material in historic buildings of architectural heritage. The investigation of masonry structures faces an issue of building a numerical model in engineering software systems, considering the question of studying ancient masonry, which is technologically different from the modern one. At the same time, vaults were extensively used in majority of types of roofing systems of historic buildings. The study area covers the mechanical properties of ancient masonry vaulted structure and ways of testing ancient brick samples to determine its more accurate behaviour and receive the information related to the deformability of such a complex structure. The main aim of this article is the survey of the masonry cloister vault of the historical building in order to receive the data on the specific deformation characteristics of the ancient masonry materials. Methods of the determination of the deformation properties of a masonry proposed in the building codes has uncertainties because it neglects the special aspects of the historic masonry. Thus, the need for conducting full-scale physical and numerical experiments of the masonry vault in church historical building for obtaining the actual data on the deformability of the ancient masonry structure appears urgent. Additionally, the experimental part of the research work on the object was carried out in two statements of the problem: the object was studied from the point of view of a homogeneous structure, videlicet the study of the vault itself was carried out, as well as a heterogeneous structure, in which the masonry elements (mortar and brick) were studied separately. The evaluation of data related to such structures is extremely important for the improvement of restoration techniques, maintaining and preventing possible critical situations associated with them. Moreover, the received data will allow to make adjustments in calculations considering the peculiar properties of material.

Negative impacts of petroleum coke as an energy source in the brick-making industry

The technical features of the issues caused by the brick industry's usage of petroleum coke as a fuel were identified in this study. The effects were evaluated in terms of the concentration of hazardous materials in petroleum coke, the CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions in the flue gases, the corrosion of refractory materials in the furnace, the corrosion of pipelines and metal structures in the dryer and furnace, the deposition of sulfate scum on dry products, and the fixation of white scum on finished products. To assess the microstructure and composition of the regions of the samples exposed to flue gases and that inside the material, refractory brick samples from the furnace walls were examined under a microscope. The compressive stress of the part of the sample affected by the flue gas from the kiln is lowered by 37.3 %, which is caused by the agglomeration of sulfate salts and the presence of a high quantity of vanadium. It was determined that, regardless of potential energy savings, the sulfur concentration in petroleum coke must be below 5% if utilized as an energy source in the brick sector since there are suitable conditions for accelerated corrosion processes.

Negative impacts of petroleum coke as an energy source in the brick-making industry

The technical features of the issues caused by the brick industry's usage of petroleum coke as a fuel were identified in this study. The effects were evaluated in terms of the concentration of hazardous materials in petroleum coke, the CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions in the flue gases, the corrosion of refractory materials in the furnace, the corrosion of pipelines and metal structures in the dryer and furnace, the deposition of sulfate scum on dry products, and the fixation of white scum on finished products. To assess the microstructure and composition of the regions of the samples exposed to flue gases and that inside the material, refractory brick samples from the furnace walls were examined under a microscope. The compressive stress of the part of the sample affected by the flue gas from the kiln is lowered by 37.3 %, which is caused by the agglomeration of sulfate salts and the presence of a high quantity of vanadium. It was determined that, regardless of potential energy savings, the sulfur concentration in petroleum coke must be below 5% if utilized as an energy source in the brick sector since there are suitable conditions for accelerated corrosion processes.

Dose assessment for radon and thoron concentrations in iraqi thermostone bricks

This research aims to measure radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) concentrations for selected thermostone bricks samples produced in Iraq. 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were measured using the active method (RAD7 detector). Also, the inhalation dose for the year was calculated using the 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations. The results of this study indicated that the range of radon concentration values was between 8.00 Bq/m3 to 66.50 Bq/m3; its mean value was 28.22±3.89 Bq/m3. At the same time, the values of thoron concentrations ranged from 27.10 Bq/m3 to 129.00 Bq/m3, with a mean value of 55.46±7.15 Bq/m3. Also, the mean dose value associated with radon and thoron was 0.71±0.098 mSv/y and 0.31±0.039 mSv/y, respectively. According to preliminary research, the concentration of thoron in the current study was higher than that of radon except for two samples. In general, the values of doses from Iraqi thermostone brick samples were within the action level recommended by ICRP, 1993. Therefore, all samples in the present study didn't significantly affect the dose.

Strength Assessment of Improved Adobe Brick Using Natural Stabilizers

Adobe or mud brick building technique is an ancient technique dating back at least to 8300 BC. The oldest continually inhabited structures in the world are made in adobe. Adobe brick have revealed many advantages such as low cost, simple construction, excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Dispute these advantages, adobe buildings experience many problems, like water effect and low brick strength, among others. The objective of this study was to assess the strength of adobe brick made from natural soils and stabilized using laterite, fine sand and fibrous grass. The study first checked the quality of all used materials components, and then with reference to the USCS, the classification and quality of those materials were determined. Afterwards, the controlling brick sample made of natural soil, and the stabilized brick made of natural soils with stabilizers were manufactured using the mix ratio of 50% natural soil, 30% of laterite, 15% of fine sand and 5% of fibrous grass. After the bricks curing, the compressive strength test was performed. It was observed that the adobe brick strength was improved from 1.04 N/mm2 to 2.128 N/mm2 after its stabilization. Further studies were recommended regarding the improvement of adobe bricks performance using other soils mixture content, or other types of stabilizers with target to achieve the strength of stabilized soil bricks with cement or even the strength of burnt bricks.

Consideration of long campaign based on analysis of 4038 m3 blast-furnace hearth core investigation

In order to explore the erosion reason of the hearth sidewall built with high thermal conductivity and small hot-pressed graphite carbon bricks, the carbon brick samples were obtained by boring in different parts of the hearth sidewall. By the research on microcosmic structure, thermal conductivity, chemical composition of the carbon bricks, it was concluded that the high portion of large size pore leaded to poor properties of resistance to Zn permeation. And due to the formation of the weakened layer, the transfer system of lining was destroyed, which result in poor effect of titanium protecting and resistance to hot metal erosion. For the purpose of prolonging the campaign of BF hearth, the properties of resistance to hot metal erosion and the thermal conductivity of carbon brick should be matched well.

Developing and Mechanical Properties of Low Fired and Geopolymer Bricks from Drinking Water Sludge with Different Contents of Added Fly Ash

Raw water treatment and coal-based power generation facilities produce a high level of waste to the environment annually. A low recycling scheme has worsened the situation and wastes usually end up in a landfill. Further environmental degradation could be prevented by re-utilising wastes for the production of alternative bricks. Additionally, the development of low-fired brick from wastes can comparatively reduce energy consumption during the firing stage. Geopolymer has successfully replaced ordinary portland cement (OPC) without bargaining its mechanical quality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fly ash (FA) content and geopolymerization on mechanical characteristics of brick developed from drinking water sludge (DWS). A set of brick samples was fired at 500 °C while another set of samples was prepared under a high alkaline condition to produce geopolymer bricks. Resultantly, both sets of samples demonstrated a decrease in linear shrinkage and increased density with more content of FA. For fired brick samples, the water absorption decreased from 38.6% to 33.3% before rising again at 45% of FA content. However, a continuous decrease was displayed by geopolymer brick as FA increased. The compressive strength of fired bricks showed a decreasing trend as FA content increased and vice versa for the geopolymer brick. The compressive strength of geopolymer bricks increased from 1.22 MPa to 3.63 MPa at 45% of FA content. Comparatively, geopolymer bricks demonstrated higher strength than fired bricks. These results reflect the advantage of the incorporated wastes and geopolymerisation in developing alternative brick for sustainable resources and a better environment.

Luminescence dosimetry for evaluation of the external exposure in Metlino, upper Techa River valley, Southern Urals, Russia: Analysis of new results

Luminescence dosimetry was applied in the former settlement of Metlino, Southern Urals, Russia as part of a full-scale study to validate the Techa River Dosimetry System (TRDS) 2016 for the upper Techa River region. The village, which was evacuated in 1956, was located 7 km downstream of the release point of liquid radioactive waste by the Mayak plutonium facility. Several brick samples were taken from north-eastern and south-eastern walls of the granary, facing the former Techa river shoreline and floodplain. Samples were all taken at the same height and measured at different depths into the brick. For the majority of brick samples, good Optically Stimulated Luminescence properties of the quartz grains were observed. In some cases, however, strong levels of sensitization and/or signal recuperation were encountered which necessitated adjustment in the measurement protocols. Anthropogenic doses in bricks varied from 1.5 to 6.6 Gy and the horizontal profiles along both walls showed significant variation, which is explained on a qualitative basis. A dose depth profile is observed for selected samples, which is different from the dose depth profile measured and simulated for samples from the north-western wall of the granary in previous studies. This is qualitatively explained by the differences in source configuration.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN LIMBAH BOTOL KACA TERHADAP DAYA SERAP AIR DAN UJI KUAT TEKAN BATU BATA MERAH

The background of the author doing this research is to improve the construction of houses at this time. This study aims to determine the benefits and strength of ordinary red bricks without mixing with red bricks that have been mixed with glass bottle waste and also to determine the value of water absorption and the value of the compressive strength of red bricks that have been added to a mixture of glass bottle waste. The research that the author did here made samples of bricks and tested water absorption, compressive strength, and made samples in a brick factory located in Manggis Village, Mandiangin Koto Selayan District, Bukittinggi City, as well as testing samples in the laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University, West Sumatra. In collecting the data needed by the author is a direct survey of the spaciousness and testing the water absorption and compressive strength in the laboratory. In the mixing method, the percentages are 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. From the results of research conducted adding glass bottle powder with mixed percentages of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% can affect the value of water absorption and compressive strength of red bricks, a mixture of 4% has low compressive strength and sufficient water absorption. high so that it is not possible to use in the construction sector. However, the 8% mixture has a higher number than other mixtures and is close to a 0% mixture, a mixture of 8% and 6% red bricks can still be used in the construction sector because the results of water absorption and compressive strength are still close to SNI 15-2094-200 . Keywords: Red brick, Glass Powder, water absorption, compressive strength

Evaluation of the spatial distribution and dynamic succession of microbial community and quality properties during fermentation in Chinese medium‐temperature Daqu

The spatial characterization of qualities and microbial community of Chinese Baijiu Daqu during solid-state fermentation remains unclear. The physicochemical indexes and microbial of the core (CDB) and the surface (SDB) of medium-temperature Daqu (MT-Daqu) at eight fermenting stages were investigated. The results indicated the difference in physicochemical indices, enzymatic activities, and starch granule fracture between the CDB and SDB. The dominant bacteria were Lactobacillus, Weissella, Pediococcus, and Methylobacterium in the SDB, as Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Thermoactinomyces, and Undibacterium in the CDB. The dominant fungi were Dipodascus, Wickerhamomyces, Hyphopichia, and Saccharomyces in the SDB, like Aspergillus, Thermoacscus, Theromyces, and Candida in the CDB. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that different factors strongly affected the bacteria and fungi in the SDB and CDB, respectively. The temperature, moisture, and starch content were the critical factors for the microbial composition of Daqu. This study provides further valuable information for knowing the fermentation mechanism of MT-Daqu. Novelty impact statement This study provided information on the spatial characterization of qualities and microbial community of Chinese Baijiu Daqu during solid-state fermentation of medium-temperature Daqu (MT-Daqu). This study revealed the difference between the surface brick samples (SDB) and the core brick samples (CDB) in the fermentation process of Daqu, which increased the diversity of fermentation. The temperature, moisture, and starch content were the critical factors in influencing the difference between Daqu microorganisms of the core (CDB) and the surface (SDB) of medium-temperature Daqu (MT-Daqu).

Building envelope optimization using geopolymer bricks to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings in hot arid regions

This study explored the potential of producing geopolymer bricks from industrial waste including ferrosilicon and aluminum slag. The bricks' physico-mechanical properties show that they conform to many codes and standards. Also, the thermal conductivity of 0.28 W/mK is achieved, which is significantly lower than that of conventional bricks. social residential buildings in New Aswan City, Egypt, is employed as a case study for examining the fabricated bricks' implementation. Using the Design Builder software, it was found that the proposed fabricated brick samples showed energy savings of 5.70–14.90% and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of 0.47–7.67% compared to conventional wall brick. The temperature profile reveals that the fabricated brick samples have achieved the desired level of human comfort. Finally, the financial viability of each brick type was analyzed using the simple payback time (SPP). A return on investment of 8.76–15.79 years was determined for the produced brick samples. Therefore, geopolymer bricks are widely recognized as a significant improvement in environmental sustainability.

Recycling of glass fines and plastics in clay bricks at low temperatures

This research study aims to develop a new blend of clay bricks using varying percentages of recycled glass fines and recycled plastics in masonry bricks at low curing temperatures. Alkaline-activated solutions used in this research study were sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Having tried various percentages of alkaline activators, the suitable amount of alkaline activator was set at 20%. Brick samples were placed in an oven at a heating temperature of 50°C for 24 h (to reduce the moisture content), followed by a temperature of 155°C for 48 h. Earlier findings demonstrated that the moisture curing for the sample was 50°C for 48 h, and the heating temperature increased to 155°C for 24 h. A series of laboratory tests on the brick samples such as compressive strength, water absorption, linear shrinkage and scanning electron microscopy characterisation were carried out in this study. The examined curing conditions were 7 and 28 days. The results from the experiment revealed that the relationship between water absorption and curing conditions satisfied the minimum requirement of masonry bricks using recycled glass fines and plastics.

Effect of stone wool waste from greenhouse agriculture in brick production

The greenhouse agriculture sector, which strongly affects human health and the ecological balance, is among the greatest generators of stone wool waste (SWW), which has adverse environmental effects. The use of SWW from greenhouse agriculture in brick production is of particular importance to protect natural clay sources and reduce waste materials. Therefore, this experimental study examined the effects of the use of this SWW in brickmaking on the features of fired clay bricks. In order to determine the maximum mixing ratios, brick samples were prepared from mixtures of clay/SWW in the proportions of 95/5, 90/10, 87.5/12.5 and 82.5/17.5 wt%. Then, the effects on the physical, thermal and mechanical features of the bricks were examined by firing at temperatures of 850 °C, 950 °C and 1050 °C. The physical and mechanical features of fired clay bricks made with various percentages of SWWs are described and addressed. The qualities of the prepared building bricks met the ASTM C62 requirements for building materials— the compressive and bending strength performance values were 27 MPa and 13.79 MPa, respectively. The results show that depending on the percentage of SWW introduced into the raw clay materials, the bulk density of fired bricks may be lowered by up to 13%. The pore-forming function of SWW had a promising impact on thermal insulation of up to 20.75% decrease following the addition of 10% at 1050 °C. Freeze/thaw durability showed better performance in bricks containing up to 10% SWW at 1050 °C, and this value was found to be less than 3%. According to the findings, using SWW in brick manufacturing can help recycle abundant greenhouse agriculture wastes while also developing fired clay bricks with desired properties.

Karakteristik Batako Pejal di Kota Manado, Bitung dan Tomohon

Abstract. Bricks is still one of the walls building materials that are widely used in North Sulawesi, specifically in Manado City, Bitung City and Tomon City. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of local bricks in Manado City, Bitung City and Tomohon City. The characteristics of the bricks in question are the dimensions and compressive strength of the bricks. This research was conducted by taking samples of pejal bricks from several brick production sites in Manado City, Bitung City and Tomohon City. The bricks taken to be used as samples are pressed bricks. Brick samples that have been taken from these three cities, are then tested in the laboratory. From the test results in the laboratory, it is known that for the dimensions of the brick samples taken in Manado City and Bitung City, it has not met the brick size standards based on SNI 03-0349-1989, namely the brick length of 390 mm (+3&-5), width 190 mm (+2) with a thickness of 100 mm. The bricks taken from Tomohon City for length mostly meet the existing standards with width and thickness that have not met but are close to the standard. The results of the compressive strength test for brick samples are only brick samples in Malalayang sub-district that meet the standards, including quality IV-III of 30.67 kg / cm2. None of the brick samples taken from Bitung City and Tomohon City met the compressive strength standards. Keywords: Brick, Building Material, SNI 03-0349-1989

Переработка земли формовочной горелой

At present, the metallurgical industry occupies one of the leading positions in the economy of many countries. At the same time, a large amount of solid wastes is generated in the metallurgical industry. The most large-tonnage includes burnt molding earth, which is formed at the stage of knocking out castings from foundry molds. The properties of burnt molding earth (humidity, loss on ignition, elemental, phase and grain composition) were studied and the possibility of its regeneration was confirmed. The simplest and cheapest is the dry mechanical method of regeneration, which is used in most enterprises of the Republic of Belarus. The paper shows that when this method is implemented, about 80 % of the burnt molding earth is returned to the technological process at the stage of casting molds, and about 20 % is converted into a fine pulverized fraction, which is a waste product and is currently being disposed of for disposal. On the basis of experimental studies, it has been established that this fraction of burnt molding earth can be used in the production of ceramic bricks as a lean additive. Were obtained samples of ceramic bricks containing 80 wt. % clay field «Lukoml», as well as sand and a fine fraction of the molding burnt earth in various proportions. The properties of the obtained samples, their structure and phase composition have been studied. It has been established that with an increase in the content of waste, the properties of ceramic bricks change insignificantly. Therefore, it is proposed to use 20 wt. % of the finely dispersed fraction of the burnt molding earth, i.e., completely replace the quartz sand with waste. On the basis of experimental studies, firing at a temperature of 1000 °C with isothermal holding for 60 minutes was chosen. It has been established that the obtained samples of ceramic bricks correspond to GOST 530-2012 «Ceramic brick and stone. General Specifications», stamp 300.

Reuse of walnut shell waste in the development of fired ceramic bricks.

The development of agricultural waste-doped fired bricks is an important step toward achieving lightweight eco-efficient bricks with improved thermal insulation property. Recent research in masonry has been tailored towards the production of energy-efficient building by incorporating waste materials as additives. This effectuates a safe waste disposal, cost effectiveness, and also serve as a giant stride towards environmental sustainability. This study examines the viability of using walnut shell as additive in fired clay at various firing temperatures. Pulverized walnut shell was added to clay at a proportion of 0-10 wt.% by weight of clay. The samples were fired at temperatures of 950°C and 1100°C. The samples were probed for mechanical properties and durability. Morphology of the brick samples were examined under scanning electron microscope. The result of the research showed increased water absorption and specific heat capacity while mechanical and bulk density were observed to reduce. Linear shrinkage and thermal conductivity reduced with increase in walnut content of which linear shrinkage and thermal conductivity values experienced at 1100°C was higher than at 950°C. Resistance of bricks to salt crystallization increased with firing temperature. All samples met various standard requirement for masonry except sample prepared with 10 wt.% walnut shell whose compressive and flexural strengths fell below the required standard. The study established the use of walnut shell for development of sustainable energy-efficient bricks.

Sawdust Recycling in the Development of Permeable Clay Paving Bricks: Optimizing Mixing Ratio and Particle Size

The permeable pavement system (PPS) has effectively contributed to stormwater management as a low-impact development (LID) technology. The suitability of clay bricks, consolidated with waste materials, for sustainable PPS applications in urban infrastructure needs further attention. In this study, several series of permeable clay paving bricks samples were prepared by mixing different ratios and particle sizes of sawdust (SD) with clay soil and firing at 900 °C. The raw soil and SD samples were characterized through sieve analysis, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The bricks were tested for their compressive strength, bulk density, apparent porosity, water adsorption, permeability coefficient, and stormwater treatment efficiency. The clay soil comprised 17.5% clay/silt with appropriate amounts of SiO2 (50.47%), Al2O3 (19.14%), and fluxing agents (15.34%) and was suitable for brick manufacturing. XRD and FTIR analysis revealed that the soil predominantly comprises quartz, dolomite calcite, feldspar, kaolinite, illite, and chlorites. The SD samples were enriched with amorphous and crystalline cellulose. The compressive strength of the bricks decreased, while the permeability of the bricks increased with an increasing percentage of SD. An optimal percentage of 10% SD achieved a 21.2 MPa compressive strength and a 0.0556 m/s permeability coefficient, meeting the ASTM specifications for PPS. The optimal size of SD, between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, achieved the desired compressive strength of the bricks. The permeable bricks effectively removed the total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and BOD5 from the stormwater, which complies with the guidelines for wastewater reuse applications.

Recycling of metallurgical wastes in ceramics: A sustainable approach

This pioneering study focuses on the production, testing, and comparative assessment of iron-rich metallurgical wastes, including copper slag (CS), rolling mill scale (RMS), and ferrous-metal grinding dust (FGD), incorporated fired clay bricks. For this purpose, the fired clay bricks incorporating CS, FGD, and RMS are prepared considering three different dosages of wastes (i.e., 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % of the weight of clay) and fired at two different temperatures (i.e., 900 °C and 1000 °C). Various tests were performed to examine different physical, mechanical, durability, and leaching characteristics of bricks. Results show increased porosity and loss-on-ignition of brick samples with increased CS dosage. However, decreased apparent porosity and loss-on-ignition of brick samples are observed with the increased dosages of RMS and FGD. All the brick samples incorporating metallurgical wastes satisfy the compressive strength and water absorption requirements as per ASTM C62 and other building standards. Scanning electron microscopy shows homogeneous and dense microstructures for brick samples incorporating 30 % RMS and FGD dosages. For all the brick samples fired at 1000 °C, amounts of heavy metals in the leachates are detected well below the Environmental Protection Agency specified limits. Based on the results, recycling of CS, RMS, and FGD in brick manufacturing is an attractive solution to avoid environmental issues related to landfilling of hazardous wastes and achieve efficient waste management.

Preliminary study on preparation of unfired bricks using filter cake from tunnel muck

Disposal of tunnel muck is a thorny issue in tunnel construction, which has adverse social, environmental and economic impacts. At present, the gravel, sand and water in the tunnel muck can be reasonably recycled, while filter cake (FC), the clay content in the tunnel muck, is still treated by landfill. In this work, based on a comprehensive test plan with three parameters and five variations for each parameter, FC was initially used to prepare unfired bricks, and the possibility of resource utilization of FC was explored. Furthermore, unconfined compressive strength and water resistance of unfired bricks were systematically investigated. Results showed that the maximum strength of the prepared unfired brick samples could reach 25.7 MPa which achieved the requirements of MU25, and the incorporation of an appropriate amount of waste red brick powder (WRBP) and ionic soil stabilizer (ISS) could significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength and water resistance of unfired bricks. Therefore, FC had great potential to replace clay to prepare unfired bricks instead of being deposited as wastes.