EFFECTS OF FLY ASH ADDITION ON THE DURABILITY AND MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF FIRED CLAY BRICKS

The main objective of this study was the utilization of fly ash (FH) additive in the fired clay brick mixtures. The effects of FH additions (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% by weight) incorporated in clay brick compositions on the physical properties and mechanical strength had been investigated. The green clay brick specimens were fired at 800-1,000 degrees C to obtain vitreous phase connection. Behavior of packed particles associated apparent porosity (APP), bulk density (BD) and water absorption (WA) values were reported, which were directly cased in the compressive strength (CS) of the fired specimens. The results showed that the APP and WA values were also decreased, while BD values were improved with an increase in sintering temperatures. The CS of clay brick specimens with 10 and 20 wt% of FH after fired at 1,000 degrees C had higher than of the CS strength standard value as required by ASTM C62-13a. The optimum FH addition in the fired clay bricks at 1,000 degrees C was achieved in 10 wt% FH, which confirmed a partial replacement of additive wastes in making fired clay bricks.