Physical and mechanical properties of fired clay bricks with rice husk waste addition as construction materials

The main objective presents the effects of incorporation of rice husk (RH) on the physical and mechanical properties of fired clay bricks. The replacement percentage of RH with clay is 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt%. The mechanical strength was improved by fired at 900, 1000 and 1100 degrees C due to sintering mechanism. Physical property were carried out with the determination by water absorption, density, porosity, while compressive strength of the fired clay bricks were tested. It was found the use of RH addition affected on lower bulk density of the bricks. It was observed their porosity ratios up to 30% with increasing of RH addition up to 10 wt.% with 10% RH fired at 900 and 1000 degrees C. However, the compressive strength of clay brick (16.21 MPa) with the 2.5% addition after fired at 1100 degrees C was sufficed for ASTM C773-88 standard. Conclusively, the results revealed the RH could be possibly regarded as a potential addition to raw materials used in the manufacturing of lightweight fired clay bricks. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.