Performance Assessment of Makurdi Burnt Bricks

Abstract

This work involved onsite observation of the production process; determination of physical properties and chemical composition of the soil sample used for the production of Makurdi burnt bricks (MBB). A total of 22 brick specimens, of the MBB, was examined in the laboratory for compressive strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance. The results reveal the soil sample as true laterite having a Silica-Sesquioxide ratio of 1.01, Silica content of 42.95 and clay content of 27.38, and total clay + silt content of 30.78. The Atterberg’s limit test gave the liquid limit as 36.79; plastic limit, 26.11and plastic index, 10.68. Compressive strength was 3.46 N/mm2 and 11.75 N/mm2 for Samples A and B respectively; Average water absorption for Sample B (16.49%) was double that of Sample A (8.58%) while the Abrasion resistance ability of Sample B (33.67%) was four times better than Sample A (9.32%).