Effects of Firing Temperature on Some Physical Properties of Burnt Clay Bricks Produced Around Addis Ababa
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Controlling the firing temperature during clay bricks production plays a decisive role in both quality and production costs. The principal aim of this research is therefore to study the effects of different firing temperature on the compressive strength, water absorption and saturation coefficients of fired clay bricks produced around Addis Ababa. Moreover, the firing temperature management practices of some brick factories in and around Addis Ababa are also surveyed. The raw materials for this study were sampled from two quarries and clay bricks are produced from four blended soil samples. The physical property requirements of these clay bricks which are fired at three different firing temperatures and fired for different duration of firing are tested and analyzed. Interview questionnaires are designed to study the firing temperature management practices of some brick factories in and around Addis Ababa. In addition to the interview, observational based study is conducted by visiting their production processes. The outputs of this study show that with increment of firing temperature within the optimum firing temperature range; increase the compressive strengths and lower both the water absorptions and saturation coefficients of clay bricks. Increment of duration of firing slightly increases the compressive strength and lowers both the water absorption and saturation coefficient. The firing temperature control of the brick factories surveyed during this study show that they have no temperature controlling device for their kiln but it is done with the observation of their kiln operator’s. Over and under firing of clay-bricks are their usual lose. Moreover, according to the response of the interviewee’s, the significance of firing temperature is less understood when compared to other stages in clay-bricks production. Key words: Physical property requirements, Firing temperature, Compressive strength, Water absorption, Saturation coefficient, Firing temperature management
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Keywords
Physical property requirements, Firing temperature, Compressive strength, Water absorption, Saturation coefficient, Firing temperature management