Brick Samples Research Articles

Evaluating the effect of Incorporating Chicken Feather Fibers on the Technological Properties of Eco-Friendly Compressed Earth Bricks

This paper investigates the feasibility of improving the performance of raw bricks by using chemically treated chicken feather fibers as a sustainable reinforcement material. Although numerous studies have already explored the use of chicken feathers in brick composites, this work is distinguished by the application of a novel chemical treatment involving formaldehyde and silane to enhance the fibers' compatibility with the clay matrix. The treated fibers were incorporated into raw brick samples at varying concentrations. The effects of fiber reinforcement on critical properties such as porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that incorporating chemically treated chicken feather fibers reduces porosity and bulk density while increasing compressive strength within an optimal concentration range. Additionally, a significant reduction in thermal conductivity was observed, demonstrating the potential of these materials to improve thermal insulation in construction applications. This study highlights the promise of utilizing chicken feather waste, treated with formaldehyde and silane, as reinforcement in the production of eco-friendly bricks, with implications for sustainable construction practices.

Experimental investigation of fired clay bricks for gamma radiation shielding

In this study, the focus was on evaluating how the physical and structural attributes of red clay bricks influence their ability to shield γ-rays. The red clay brick samples' density (ρ, g/cm3) was measured using the MH-300A density meter. The minerals present in the selected clay were identified through the application of X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the material's morphology and chemical composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy. By increasing the pressure rate (PR) from 7.61 to 114.22 MPa, the density of the synthetic clay bricks was increased from 1.50 to 1.69 g/cm3. Subsequently, the gamma-ray shielding effectiveness of the clay bricks produced was investigated through experiments utilizing a NaI (Tl) detector with exposure to various gamma sources. The experimental data illustrated a rise in the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) of the proposed clay bricks, progressing from 1.352 ± 0.040 to 1.559 ± 0.068 cm−1, from 0.111 ± 0.003 to 0.123 ± 0.005 cm−1 and from 0.087 ± 0.002 to 0.099 ± 0.003 cm−1 at γ-ray energies of 0.033, 0.662, and 1.332 MeV, respectively. The rise in μ resulted in a reduction in the half-value thickness (Δ0.5), lead equivalent thickness (Δeq) and transmission factor (TF), in the synthetic bricks. Additionally, samples with increased thickness exhibited enhanced effectiveness in shielding gamma radiation, making them suitable for various applications requiring radiation protection. Moreover, the detection of pressure rate's influence on the physical and shielding characteristics of clay bricks was observed at specific gamma energies. (0.033, 0.662 and 1.332 MeV).

The impact of pressure rate on the physical, structural and gamma-ray shielding capabilities of novel light-weight clay bricks

The present study focuses on investigating the gamma-ray protection features of clay bricks for potential use in radiation shielding fields. The study examined the physical and structural features that affect the performance of these stones in shielding γ-rays. The density (ρ, g/cm3) of the clay bricks samples was measured utilizing the MH-300A density meter. Additionally, the mineral structure within the annealed pressed clay samples was identification the XRD spectrometry. Moreover, the morphology and elemental chemical composition for the annealed bricks were examined using a Thermo Scientific Prisma E, USA field emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in conjunction with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Besides, the shielding features of the clay bricks were analyzed using the experimentally measurements (by NaI (Tl) scintillation detector), XCOM software, and Monte Carlo Simulation over the γ-ray energy interval of 0.033–1.332 MeV. The findings of the study indicate that an increase in the pressure rate within the clay bricks samples leads to the rise in their density (from 1.62 to 1.87 g/cm3). This increase in density is accompanied by a decline in both porosity (Φ, %) (from 34.75 to 26.21 %) and water absorption (K, %) (from 26.21 to 14.74 %) factors. Furthermore, the increase in pressure rate from 7.61 to 114.22 MPa also results in an increase in the linear attenuation coefficient (μ, cm−1) of the clay bricks under study. This is achieved by increasing the μ values from 0.39 to 0.43 cm−1, from 0.13 to 0.15 cm−1, and from 0.09 to 0.10 cm−1, at 0.081, 0.511 and 1.173 MeV, respectively. The synthetic bricks offer a lead-free and efficient option for protection, making them ideal for use in nuclear facility start-ups or in areas with radiation exposure.

Estimating the firing temperature of a brick sample from a church convento archway ruin in Quipayo, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Estimating the firing temperature of a brick sample from a church convento archway ruin in Quipayo, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Improving Mud Brick Durability in Ancient Closed-Box Tombs: A Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle Approach

This paper presents a novel concept for significantly enhancing the strength and durability of ancient closed-box tombs. These tombs hold significant philosophical values, and their architecture serves as a valuable data source, providing insights into the cultural stage of the society in which it was constructed. Throughout medieval and modern times, clay bricks remained a prevalent material for tomb construction due to their affordability and design flexibility. However, these structures currently face neglect and weakening, requiring imperative intervention of protection to prevent them from potential deterioration or extinction. The key objective of this research is to explore the potential use of graphene oxide (GO), a novel nanomaterial, as a treatment method to enhance the durability of mud brick tombs in Aswan, Egypt. Samples of mud bricks were examined and characterized using various techniques, including SEM-EDX, TEM, PLM, XRF, XRD, and mechanical properties analysis. The results indicated that GO nanomaterials significantly improve the mechanical properties of mud brick tombs, allowing them to resist more compressive loading and ultimately resulting in more durable and long-lasting structures. By using these innovative materials, effective restoration and preservation of these ancient structures for future generations could be viable. This research has the potential to revolutionize the preservation of closed-box tombs, ensuring these historical landmarks stand longer the test of time.

Impact of water content and salts on the mechanical properties of masonry materials used in historic structures

Abstract The protection of built cultural heritage is increasingly important due to climate change. Given that flooding is one of the most serious threats to the conservation of heritage objects, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of water and soluble salts on the mechanical strength of materials commonly used in old structures. An experimental analysis was conducted by wetting several types of conventional building materials (such as stone, lime mortar, and fired-clay brick), each characterised by distinct mechanical properties and porous structure. The impact of contamination with three types of soluble salts commonly found in historic buildings was also assessed. The results showed that the level of water saturation can have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of all the tested materials. In some cases, the sample heterogeneity surpassed the effect of water content on the mechanical behaviour. Brick and stone samples showed a similar trend in the strength behaviour. Brick had a flexural strength decrease of around 15% after 7 days of submersion in water and also after storage in an environment with high relative humidity. Mortar mixtures were more sensitive to the effect of water and salt solutions compared to stone and bricks. One-cycle of salt contamination followed by drying increased the mechanical strength of the tested materials.

Characterization and damage of the historic brick masonry of the Zákupy castle stables

Abstract A chemical-mineralogical analysis and mechanical tests of historical bricks were carried out as part of the construction-technical survey. The objective was to identify the causes of significant masonry decay. The ruined agricultural yard is a national cultural monument. Conservators believe that the historical importance exceeds that of the neighbouring castle. Stables were designed in 1650 by prominent Italian builders Giulio Broggio and Giovanni Domenico Orsi. The building has not been maintained since the conclusion of World War I. After removal from the masonry, the analyzed samples of bricks reached a very high, almost total degree of water saturation - 87-94%. Some bricks are heavily contaminated with nitrates and sulfates, infrared spectrometry analysis showed that calcium nitrate tetrahydrate is the most abundant of the nitrates. The determined average values of physical properties (bulk weight 1764 kg/m3, capillary absorption 13.6% by weight and open porosity 24% by volume) from samples under atmospheric pressure are comparable to the values of masonry bricks produced today. The results of the tests on the bricks from the Zákupy Castle stables construction demonstrate the high manufacturing quality of the masonry elements utilized. Based on the results of the analyses, it can be assumed that three degradation factors contribute to the observed damage to the bricks: high wetting of the masonry (almost total saturation of pores with water), which is most likely long-term lasting, frost cycles - repeated freezing and thawing of water in the bricks during the winter months, and repeated crystallization of water-soluble salts present in pores near the surface.

NON-FIRED LATERITE SOIL BRICKS WITH NA-BASED STABILIZER ADDITION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Fired bricks are widely used, but they are energy-intensive and non-eco-friendly. Non-fired bricks with chemical stabilisers can be the alternative solution, which is a low-energy-intensive and environmentally friendly manufacturing product. Laterite soil can be the raw material for the synthesis of non-fired clay brick in sodium hydroxide solution and sodium silicate solution. However, it may have been mixed with other laterite soils with different optimum moisture contents and grain sizes during extraction. Thus, the mixing ratio of laterite soil, Na-based stabilisers, and water for non-fired brick production is determined. Besides, two types of laterite soil, LAT 1 and LAT 2, from different locations were prepared, and another type of laterite soil, LAT 3, was prepared by mixing LAT 1 and LAT 2. Both three are compared primarily in terms of compressive strength and water absorption, which are mixed with the Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio. As a result, the new mixing ratio with increased water content was determined based on the optimum moisture content of the soil. Besides, the optimum mixing ratio of each type of brick was determined. Overall, based on the Malaysian standard, all types of brick samples from each ratio could be used as load-bearing class 1 and internal wall bricks. Additionally, LAT 2 and LAT 3-based bricks with a ratio of 1.5 Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio can be used as load-bearing brick class 2.

Effective sludge management: Reuse of biowaste and sewer sediments for fired bricks

ABSTRACT This study partially replaced the clay with sewer sludge (SS) and rice husk (RH-SS) to make fired bricks. The brick samples were examed in terms of shrinkage, water absorption, and compressive strength. Besides, they were analyzed via XRD and metal extraction to determine the heavy metal residuals in the products. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight. These brick samples complied with the technical standard for clay brick production, in which the compressive strength was more than 7.5 MPa, water absorption was from 11–16%, and the linear shrinkage was all less than 5%. The rice husk addition helped mitigate the heavy metal residuals in the bricks and leaching liquid, in which all the values were lower than the US-EPA maximum concentration of contaminants for toxicity characteristics. Implications: Previous studies have proved the possibility of mixing sewage sludge from different origins (sewage sludge, river sediment, canal sediment, sewer sediment, etc.) with clay and some wastes to make bricks. In which, mostof the studies used sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, very fewdealt with lake/river or sewer sediment. This study shall be the first to study the possibility of employing sewer sediments with the addition of rice husk powder to achieve two targets, including (1) the reuse of biowaste and sludge for brick fabrication and (2) the reduction of heavy metals in final calcined bricks. Different ratios of the rice-husk blended sewer sludge (RH-SS) – clay mixture shall be tested to find the optimized compositions. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight, which meant reduce 30% of clay in the brick production. The final products were proved to meet the quality standard in terms of compressive strength (more than 10 MPa), water absorption(from 11–16%), and the linear shrinkage (less than 5%). Larger scale of this study can be an evident to recommend for policy change in the waste reuse in construction field.

Archaeometric Studies on Bricks from the Stratonikeia Ancient City in Caria

The ancient city of Stratonikeia is located within the territory of Eskihisar Neighbourhood in Yatağan District of Muğla Province. Excavations have been undertaken at the site since 1977. Settlement at the site of the ancient city is understood to go back to the second millennium BCE. At the site it is possible to see structures from a wide time span ranging from Classical Period through the twentieth century. Within the scope of the present study, a total of 25 samples were taken from seven structures within the ancient city of Stratonikeia. This study aims to cast light onto the archaeometric characters of the brick samples, to retrieve information on their production technologies, obtain data regarding their firing temperatures and their production sites as local or imports. The samples were investigated using stereomicroscope, optical microscope, color analysis, XRF, XRD, statistical and SEM-EDS methods. Various analyses led to compatible results and the brick samples were categorized into three main groups and one subgroup. It was noted that most of the samples were fired at 750-850oC and all of them were produced with clay taken from similar clay deposits.

Preliminary microstructural research of clay solid bricks taken from historic buildings located in Poland

The article presents the results of the preliminary experimental research and analysis of the structure of samples of clay solid bricks from six historical buildings erected in Poland in the years 1300 to 1910. Images obtained with a scanning electron microscope; parameters characterizing the pore space of the ceramic material, which were obtained using mercury porosimetry; and chemical composition identified using an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, were analyzed. The test results showed that as the age of the brick increases, the homogeneity of its structure decreases, the chemical composition of all samples is quite similar, and in the tested samples, large disproportions in the percentage of pore width in individual ranges can be observed. An indicator P-index useful in comparing the studied structures was proposed, based on the knowledge of the share of the pores’ width within the adopted ranges.

State of conservation of an industrial brick masonry chimney: a case-study in Montijo, Portugal

AbstractIndustrial masonry chimneys became widespread in the mid-19th century and were eventually integrated into urban landscapes, gaining significance as symbolic historical remnants of local industries. This poses new challenges, particularly concerning the safety of populations and goods, as well as the preservation of the now-historical structures. In this article, we assess the conservation status of the 45-meter-high chimney of the former cork processing factory Mundet, located in Montijo, Portugal. The study involved a structural survey conducted using height access equipment, along with an investigation to diagnose moisture and salt decay at the base of the chimney. The later included measuring current and hygroscopic moisture distributions, as well as XRD characterization of brick and mortar samples. At the chimney’s base, salt crystallization causes efflorescence and erosion leading to masonry disintegration. This is associated with rising damp and the presence of sodium sulfate in the brick and sodium chloride in the mortar. In the shaft, mortar erosion becomes more pronounced as we ascend. At the crown, extensive mortar erosion and limited compression have caused the NE-facing half to disappear, while the rest is at risk of imminent collapse. Damage mitigation measures to address this situation are proposed.

Facile fabrication of next-generation sustainable brick and mortar through geopolymerization of construction debris

Waste from construction and demolition (also known as CDW) is one of the most harmful environmental issues. This study's primary goal is to produce new mortar and brick materials from recycled concrete powder (RCP) and recycled brick powder (RBP), two of the most popular CDW. Geopolymeric mortar and brick samples were produced by passing RCP and RBP through sieve No. 50 (with sand filler if necessary) and combining them with an alkaline solution made of water glass (WG) and NaOH. In this study, the mixture was then cured for three days at 80 °C in an oven. The effects of filler, RBP amount, WG amount, and the concentration of NaOH alkaline solution on the samples’ strength were examined. Additionally, XRF and SEM/XRD tests were performed to verify the materials' composition and microstructure. The mechanical strength of the samples showed an increase with the increase of RCP values, so the brick sample with filler showed the highest compressive strength, measuring 59.53 MPa. The study's samples exhibited strong mechanical properties. Additionally, all of the bricks' water absorption fell within the standard range. In summary, according to different standards, both waste concrete and waste brick can be used to produce geopolymer materials especially bricks for construction and paving purposes.

Utilizing coal combustion bottom ash as a sustainable alternative to natural aggregate in eco-friendly building bricks

As a substitute for fried clay and stone powder-cement bricks, this study developed novel green bricks based on coal-combustion bottom ash (CCBA) obtained from a thermal power plant in Vietnam. By using varied replacement amounts of stone powder at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% in weight, ten brick compositions with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios of 0.35 and 0.40 were developed. Testing was done on the bricks' characteristics, such as compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, water permeability, electrical resistance, and thermal conductivity. The findings showed that increasing CCBA content or w/b ratio has a negative impact on the characteristics of unburnt bricks. However, all the brick samples made for this investigation performed exceptionally well when compared to the requirements of the national Vietnamese standard. The brick samples produced in this study are recommended to apply in real practice.

Dating mortars and bricks of Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain)

Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain) is a small semi-buried building, under the Bóveda parish church, built in the 18th century, with an apsidal quadrangular floor plan, which was divided into three naves, a small vaulted apse and a rectangular floor plan vaulted, where paintings depicting birds and plant elements have been well preserved. The monument has aroused great interest since its discovery, but its chronology and functionality has always been the subject of controversy. Several hypotheses have suggested that the monument was built in the Roman period and some others around the 5h, 8th or 9th century AD. However, any direct evidence or absolute age has been provided until today. The stratigraphic analysis of the building suggests five constructive phases. Bricks and mortars of all phases were sampling to perform absolute dating techniques and to get a precise and accurate chronology. Radiocarbon dating of mortars and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of bricks and mortars have been used to this purpose. A total of 34 samples were taken, being 20 used for luminescence (mortars and quartz aggregates) and 15 used for 14C ages (charcoal fragments of lime mortars). 5 brick samples were also dated by Thermoluminescence (TL). The obtained ages have allowed, for the first time, stablishing an accurate and precise chronology being the first phase assigned to the 4th Century AD. Alterations of the building and the vault paintings were performed in the early 7th century, while the construction of the second floor and occasional repairs were performed during the 10th-12th centuries.

Environmental characterization of ferrochromium production waste (refined slag) and its carbonization product

This paper presents the results of research on the method of utilization of self-disintegrating slags of refined ferrochrome production by autoclave carbonization in carbon dioxide environment. The work has a complex character, including earlier laboratory studies of the slag carbonization process under different conditions, as well as studies of chemical and mineralogical composition of initial waste slags taken from the slag dump and samples of bricks subjected to carbonization. The composition of slags and obtained products was investigated by XRD, DTA, DTG and XRF analyses, which showed that the main phases of the studied samples are dicalcium silicate, montichelite, periclase, magnesiochromite, calcite. Thermal analytical studies showed that magnesium carbonate is present only in the samples of artificially carbonized material. Also, the process of carbonate formation in the thickness of bricks during forced carbonization was investigated. As a result, it was obtained that with increasing CO2 pressure, the amount of bound carbon in the products increases proportionally in all layers. It was determined that the amount of CO2 absorbed during carbonization can reach 20 % of the mass of the initial slag. Stale slag can be used simultaneously as a carbon dioxide absorber and as a building product.

Silicate brick production using anhydrite raw material

Purpose: The aim of this work is to substantiate recycling of anhydrite raw materials for the production of silicate products and the development of methods for preparing source materials, compositions and process modes.Methodology/approach: Selection and research of basic materials, methods of their preparation for the production of silicate products; justification of process methods and assessment of quality parameters of materials with the required properties.Research findings: The possibility of utilizing acid fluoride during the synthesis of calcareous-siliceous binder used to produce silicate bricks during autoclave processing. The obtained sand-lime brick samples possess the following physical and mechanical properties: 1750 to 1900 kg/m3 average density, 10 to 12.5 MPa compressive strength, 16 or 17 % water absorption. The samples meet the requirements for sand-lime bricks, namely strength, density, water absorption and correspond to grades 100 and 125.Practical implications: The process modes of autoclaving are detected and the main operational characteristics of sand-lime brick are determined. Methods proposed for preparing raw materials and process conditions of silicate wall materials allow solving environmental problems and saving natural limestone raw materials.Novelty: Sand-lime brick production is based on anhydrite raw materials; suggested dependencies make it possible to control the composition and properties of silicate materials.

Strength variation and cracking behavior of corundum bricks with modified hydrated magnesium chloride Binders

This work examined differences between modified and non-modified binders regarding corundum brick cracking and strength variations pre and post-modification. Comparing samples treated with magnesium chloride hexahydrate at 200 °C before and after modification highlighted the importance of basic magnesium chloride in filling corundum gaps and aiding dehydration, affecting initial strength. The transformation from the 518 phase (5 Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O) to magnesium chlorocarbonate phase (Mg2CO3(OH)Cl·2H2O) enlarged grain size, explaining later-stage strength differences in hydration. TEM analysis after FIB fixed-point cutting of the cracked site of the ninth-day hydrated corundum brick sample indicated that the significant mismatch in lattice spacing between the magnesium chlorocarbonate phase and corundum resulted in the generation of a large number of misfit dislocations at the binding site. Additionally, the transformation from the 518 phase to the magnesium chlorocarbonate phase generated numerous dislocations during structural transformation. The internal stress generated by hydration pushes these dislocations to form a stress field, causing the samples to crack.

Radiological hazards assessment of building materials used in Swakopmund, Namibia

A Canberra coaxial High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry detector was used to measure activity concentrations of radionuclides in commonly used building materials in Swakopmund, Namibia. The activity concentrations in, Bq.kg−1, for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in all sample groups of building materials (cement, sand, cement bricks and roof tiles) were found to be in the range of 18.002–499.266, 14.069–132.508 and 162.794–1747.260, respectively. The average activity concentration of 40K was found to be two times higher than the critical level of 500 Bq.kg−1 in sand, cement bricks, clay bricks and roof tiles. The measured activity concentrations were used to estimate average dose rates and radiological hazard parameters. The absorbed dose rate (D) both due to indoor and outdoor exposure was higher than the international acceptable safe limits in all sample groups while the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) due to indoor exposure was higher in sand, cement bricks and clay brick samples. AEDE due to outdoor exposure was within acceptable safe limits for all sample groups. Radium equivalent (Raeq), external hazard (Hex) and gamma (Iγ) hazard indices were found to be higher than the acceptable safe limit only in clay bricks samples. The internal hazard (Hin) index was only higher than the acceptable safe limit in cement and clay bricks while the alpha (Iα) index was higher in sand, cement bricks and clay bricks. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) exceeded the acceptable safe limits in all sample groups. Our study showed that most of the computed radiological parameters were significantly higher than prescribed safe limits in most of the samples and therefore may pose a health risk to the inhabitants of Swakopmund.

Strength Characteristics, Ultrasonic Wave Velocity, and the Correlation between Them in Clay Bricks under Dry and Saturated Conditions.

One of the methods used to discover the development of deterioration in bricks used as a construction material in a building is the monitoring of the bricks' strength characteristics over time. However, measuring the strength characteristics of bricks used in a building requires sampling for performing laboratory tests, which is not possible in some cases. As an alternative, ultrasonic wave velocity can be a useful, nondestructive tool for the indirect assessment of the strength characteristics of the bricks. In the present study, six different samples of clay bricks before utilization as construction materials in buildings located in Khorramabad City (Lorestan Province, western Iran) were collected. The mineralogical composition of the samples was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. As one common physical characteristic of the construction materials, the porosity (n) of the samples was measured. Next, the strength characteristics, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), and P-wave velocity (Vp), of the samples under dry and saturated conditions were determined. It was found that after the saturation of the samples, considerable decreases in the UCS and BTS and increases in the Vp occurred, respectively. By comparing the values of the UCS, BTS, and Vp of the samples under dry and saturated conditions, we found that the integrity loss for the UCS and BTS was higher than for the Vp. Results showed that the integrity loss of the UCS, BTS, and Vp was significantly affected by the n and clay mineral (CM) content of the samples. Considering the dry or saturated condition of the samples, there are good correlations with acceptable accuracy levels between the Vp and the UCS and BTS, with coefficients of determination (R2) varying from 0.95 to 0.98. Consequently, our findings showed that establishing UCS and BTS predictive equations for bricks before their use as a construction material can be a worthy, practical tool for monitoring the deterioration of bricks over time after their utilization in a building.