Effect of mode of shaping on the physico-mechanical properties of clay bricks

The raw material composition and forming method have a major influence on the physical properties of clay bricks. Plastic shaped bodies have the same or better strength than bodies formed by semi-dry pressing. Therefore, this investigation includes studying the suitability of forming process of clay/By pass cement dust bricks by hand or hydraulic moulding. Mixes consisting of 100/0, 90/10 and 80/20 wt% of clay/cement dust were studied. Bricks were hand and hydraulic moulded at 30 and 50 kg/cm(2), then dried and fired for 2 hours at 600 up to 1000 degrees C with an interval temperature 100 degrees C, and firing rate of 2.5 degrees C/min. The physical and ceramic properties of the dried and fired bricks were investigated. The results showed that dense bricks of suitable physical properties could be obtained from clay/cement dust by substitution of 10% cement dust formed by hand moulding than hydraulic pressed at 30 and 50 kg/cm(2) and fired up to 800 degrees C.