AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF HIGH

STRENGTH BRICK BY USING NATURAL

ADMIXTURES

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

PRAVEENKUMAR.V (922516103049)

SENATHIPATHI.B (922516103060)

YOGESHWARAN.J (922516103078)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

V.S.B ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KARUR-639 111

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

AUGUST 2020
 ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “AN EXPERIMENTAL

INVESTIGATION OF HIGH STRENGTH BRICK BY USING NATURAL

ADMIXTURES” is the bonafide work of “PRAVEENKUMAR.V,

SENATHIPATHI.B, YOGESHWARAN.J ” who carried out the project work

under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Mr.R.GOWRISHANKAR,M.E., Mr. V.T.S.VIGNESH, M.E.,

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, SUPERVISOR, Assistant professor,

Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering,

V.S.B Engineering College, V.S.B Engineering College,

Karur-639 111 Karur-639 111

Submitted for the project viva-voce examination held on ……………….

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would humble thank the most beneficent and merciful god for showering
his blessings upon us.

We convey our thanks to our honorable Chairman

Shri.Mr.V.S.BALSAMY, B.Sc., B.L, L.L.B., and trustees for providing all the
facilities to complete the project successfully.

We also express our thanks to our honorable Principal Dr.V.NIRMAL

KANNAN, M.E., Ph.D., for following us to use all facilities that are available in our
college, to complete the project.

We would like to express our thanks to our Head of Department

Mr.R.GOWRISHANKAR,M.E, for motivating us to finish the project.

We take immense pleasure to express our sincere thanks to our project guide
Mr.V.T.S.VIGNESH, M.E., for giving his valuable support and guidance at all the
time to complete this project a successful one on time.

We wish to extend our thanks to all our department staff members for their
support to finish our project.

Last but not least, we thank our PARENTS and beloved FRIENDS for
their moral support.

iii.
 ABSTRACT

Our India is getting development in all sectors especially in infrastructural

development. A block is a structure material used to make dividers, asphalts and

different components in stone work development. Admixtures are added into the

clay soil to increase the strength variation of bricks such as jaggery, palm

jaggery, soap nut. Which are used in required proportions as follows. Palm

jaggery and conventional water is blended in with the necessary extents, for

example, 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml with earth soil. The above required

proportioned brick is conducting the following tests. Compressive strength Test,

Water absorption Test, Efflorescence test, Soundness test then the compressive

strength of distinct proportions is found by the experimental studies. Results

shows by the comparative of compressive strength of bricks with normal and

adding of admixtures for strength variation of bricks

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NO NO
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1GENERAL 1
1.2 BRICK 2
1.3 HIGH STRENGTH BRICK 3
1.4 ADMIXTURES 4
1.5 OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT 9
1.6 ADVANTAGES 9

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 11

2.1 INTRODUCTION 11
2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW 11

3 METHODOLOGY 17

v
 4 MIX DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF BRICKS 18

4.1 PALM JAGGERY AND ORDINARY WATER 18

4.2 JAGGERY AND KADUKKAI WATER 18
4.3 KADUKKAI WATER 19
4.4 PALM JAGGERY WITH KADUKKAI WATER 20
4.5 PREPARATION OF CLAY 20
4.6 MOULDING OF BRICKS 21
4.7 BURNING OF BRICKS 23

5 TESTS OF MATERIALS AND BRICKS 25

5.1 CLAY 25
5.2 KADUKKAI 25
5.3 PALM JAGGERY 25
5.4 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST 26
5.6 EFFLORESCENCE TEST 30
5.7 SOUNDNESS TEST 31
5.8 HARDNESS TEST 31
6 CHAPTER 6 32

6.1 WATER ABSORPTION TEST RESULT 32

6.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULT 32
7 CONCLUSION 37

8 REFERENCES 38

vi
 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE DESCRIPTION PAGE

NO NO.

1 Water Absorption Test

25
2 Compression strength of Normal Brick 25

3 Compression strength of 25gms of palm Jaggery, 26

Kadukkai Water with clay Soil

4 Compression strength of 50gms of palm jiggery, 26

Kadukkai water with Clay Soil

5 Compression strength of 100gms of palm jiggery, 27

Kadukkai water with Clay Soil

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGE
NO DESCRIPTION NO

1 Brick 2

2 High strength brick 3

3 Clay soil 5

4 Palm jaggery 6

5 Kadukkai 6

6 Palm jaggery with water 15

7 Kadukkai powder with water 16

8 Preparation of clay 17

9 Standard brick mould (190*90*90)mm 18

10 Burning of brick 19

11 Clay for high strength brick 20

12 Compression testing of brick 22

13 Water absorption test 23

14 Efflorescence test 24

15 Compression test graph 26

Viii
16 Compression strength of 25gms of palm Jaggery, 26
Kadukkai Water with clay Soil
17
Compression strength of 50gms of palm jiggery, 27
Kadukkai water with Clay Soil
Compression strength of 100gms of palm jiggery,
18 27
Kadukkai water with Clay Soil

ix
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Bricks are widely used in construction as a material, 25% of material is bricks in

construction. Clay bricks are used for construction purpose but pure clay is not
available in suitable amount so fly ash brick is used which is the best replacement of
clay brick. But now a days at some places the amount of fly ash is reduced or desire
quantity of fly ash is not available which fulfill our requirement so new brick is
introduced having a balancing amount of fly ash and stone dust which gives
tenacious strength and enduring for life. In this paper consisting, comparison of
compressive strength of bricks. Bricks manufactured with waste material such as
stone dust and fly ash which are available in ample quantity which results
economical in manufacturing.
The strength gain by using stone dust in (fly ash + lime) brick gives a better
strength as Compared to (fly ash + lime), (fly ash + cement, clay bricks. stone dust
+ fly ash + lime bricks also has less water absorption and negligible decrease in
length in dimension test and its light in weight as compared with other bricks and
addition of fly ash in this brick tends it to be use as thermal insulation. Stone dust
bricks as waste material can be used for manufacturing brick which give high
compressive strength as compare to other bricks. In market stone dust and fly ash is
a waste material this also made the brick economical as compared to other bricks in
market. Bricks are widely used in construction as a material, 25% of material is
bricks in construction.
Clay bricks are used for construction purpose but pure clay is not available in
suitable amount so fly ash brick is used which is the best replacement of clay brick.
But now a day at some places the amount of fly ash is reduced or desire quantity of
1
fly ash is not available which fulfill our requirement so new brick is introduced
having a balancing amount of fly ash and stone dust which gives tenacious strength
and enduring for life. In this paper consisting, comparison of compressive strength
of bricks.
1.2 BRICK:

A brick is a rectangular in shape and of size that can be convenient to handle with
one hand. Brick may be made of burnt clay or mixture of sand and lime or of fly ash
lime and sand or of Portland cement concrete. Dirt blocks are generally utilized since
these are efficient and effectively accessible. A brick is a type of block used to build
walls, pavements and other elements in masonry construction. Properly, the
term brick denotes a block composed of dried clay, but is now also used informally
to denote other chemically cured construction blocks. Bricks can be joined together
using mortar, adhesives or by interlocking them. Bricks are produced in numerous
classes, types, materials, and sizes which vary with region and time period, and are
produced in bulk quantities. Block is a similar term referring to a rectangular
building unit composed of similar materials, but is usually larger than a brick.
Lightweight bricks (also called lightweight blocks) are made from expanded clay
aggregate.

Fired bricks are one of the longest-lasting and strongest building materials,
sometimes referred to as artificial stone, and have been used since circa 4000 BC.
Air-dried bricks, also known as mudbricks, have a history older than fired bricks,
and have an additional ingredient of a mechanical binder such as straw.

Bricks are laid in courses and numerous patterns known as bonds, collectively
known as brickwork, and may be laid in various kinds of mortar to hold the bricks
together to make a durable structure.

2
 Figure 1: BRICK

1.3 HIGH STRENGTH BRICK

A block is a structure material used to make dividers, asphalts and different

components in stone work development. Admixtures are added into the clay soil to
increase the strength variation of bricks such as jaggery, palm jaggery, soap nut.
Which are used in required proportions as follows. Palm jaggery and conventional
water is blended in with the necessary extents, for example, 60ml, 100ml, 200ml,
and 300ml with earth soil. The above required proportioned brick is conducting the
following tests. Compressive strength Test, Water absorption Test, Efflorescence
test, Soundness test then the compressive strength of distinct proportions is found by
the experimental studies. Results shows by the comparative of compressive strength
of bricks with normal and adding of admixtures for strength variation of bricks.

3
 Figure 2: HIGH STRENGTH BRICK

1.4 ADMIXTURES
Admixtures are added into the clay soil to improve the strength variations
of bricks. So following admixtures used in the preparation of clay soil are
 CLAY SOIL
 PALN JAGGERY
 KADUKKAI
CLAY SOIL:
Clay is a finely-grained NATURAL ROCK OR SOIL material that
combines one or more clay minerals. It is one of the naturally available material
which is collected form crop land. The essential ingredient in the soil used for
brickmaking is clay. The size of each clay particle is extremely small, generally less
than 0.002 mm across. Various forces act between these fine particles in a moistened
clay, allowing the latter to be formed into the desired shape, which must be retained

4
on drying. Clayey materials can be readily identified by simple manipulation of
moist samples with a view to checking the plasticity of the latter.
A wide variety of raw materials may be used for brickmaking, ranging from
soft sticky muds to hard shales. However, all these materials must contain a moderate
proportion of clay-size particles. Too high a proportion of such particles will result
in excessive shrinkage of moulded bricks as they dry, with consequent risk of
cracking. On the other hand, a soil with too low a proportion of clay particles will
not be cohesive enough and will fall apart. The mineralogical nature of the clay must
be suitable so that it is changed by heating in a kiln to a strong, water resistant
vitrified form which can bind larger particles in the soil together.
Brickmaking clays may be found in most countries of the world. Geologically
recent deposits are associated with existing valleys and rivers, and are often near the
surface. Older deposits may be overlaid by other unsuitable material of varying
depth, and may have been raised and inclined from their original positions. Thus,
good deposits of clay may be found in gently rolling hills, but not mountains.
Information on clay deposits is available in many countries from National
Geological Survey Departments, or may be obtained from Geological Institutes.
Location of existing brickworks, pottery works or other ceramic production is
evidence of workable deposits.
Prospecting for new clay deposits may be undertaken by first examining river
banks, and the sides of any recent road or railway cuttings which give an instant
section of the soil profile. Subsequently it is necessary to explore in more detail any
newly-discovered deposits by taking samples from many points on a regular grid
covering the ground area. The neatest and simplest means of obtaining a suitable
sample is by using an earth auger. The latter can be powered by one or two people.
As it is rotated, the auger drills its way down into the earth, providing samples of the
cut out soil. Alternatively, a spade may be used to dig a narrow hole . However, it
5
cannot go as deep as an auger. A pit may be dug instead in such a manner that a
person with the spade can work on the floor of the pit. This will require the removal
of a great volume of earth, and may not therefore constitute an efficient way of taking
samples. For safety’s sake the pit should not be more than 2 metres deep.
It is wise to keep an accurate record of such investigations. A plan of the area
should be drawn, and location of investigatory holes marked in and numbered.
Samples taken out of the hole should be small enough to allow the identification of
a change from one soil type to another. Usually, there is a top-soil in which plants
grow, and which contains the decomposed products of plants. The top-soil depth
should be measured and noted, as well as that of subsequent soil layers. As soon as
clay is found, it will be recognised by the stickiness with which it adheres to the
auger or spade. If a large stone is encountered when augering, it will have to be
knocked out of the way, or broken, or a different type of auger used to cut a way
past.
The survey will indicate the area covered by clay, its thickness and the depth
at which it may be found, and the thickness of the top soil which must be removed
during quarrying. If there is much top soil, it will not be worth the cost of removing
it unless there is a good depth of clay beneath.
Simple testing of clay for suitability for brickmaking may be carried out on site. For
more extensive testing, each soil type should be in a separate heap on boards or a
large sheet, then reduced by quartering. Quartering is done by dividing the heap into
four quarters of equal size and shape, discarding two diagonally-opposed quarters,
and recombining the other two. This procedure is repeated until a small pile of a few
kilograms remains. The latter should be placed in a strong plastic bag, labelled with
the hole numbers and the depths from which the sample was extracted.

6
 Figure 3: CLAY SOIL

PALM JAGGERY:

It is produced using the concentrate of palm trees. The way toward making
Jaggery from the plant sources, doesn't include any compound specialists and
henceforth all the normal minerals salts are held without including any additives of
synthetic compounds. This Palm Jaggery is matured for one day and 25gms of
jiggery is blended in with 1 litter of water. It gives good bonding between the clay
soil particles.

7
 Figure 4: PALM JAGGERY

KADUKKAI:
Kadukkai is an organic product from a tree called "Terminalia Chebula". The
fruit is small and ribbed. We call it “Kadukkai" in Tamil & English. Kadukkai is
called "Sarvoraga Nivarani" in Ayurveda meaning it is a universal medicine.
Kadukkai is uPAGEsed as a medicine for many diseases in India . Kadukkai is
fermented for 3 days to 7 days and 100gms of kadukkai is mixed with 1 litter of
water.Kadukkai has the Thermal properties.

Figure 5: KADUKKAI

8
1.5 Objectives of Project:
 A brick is a building material used to make walls, pavements and other
elements in masonry construction. Admixtures are added into the clay
soil to increase the strength.
 It is fully made by using natural admixtures.
 It is energy efficient.
 It has a main advantage of thermal variation.
 Fire resisting property.
 It has high compressive strength when compared to ordinary clay brick.
 It was eco friendly brick.
1.6 ADVANTAGES:
 Compressive strength of ordinary clay brick is 3.05 N/mm2 . Comparatively
Admixture added brick gives greater Compressive strength of 4.34 N/mm2.
 In the admixture brick water absorption is very less when compared to
ordinary clay brick.
 Efflorescence is not presented in the admixture brick. The Admixture added
brick gives good metallic sound when stuck with each other.
 Cost Effective: They have lower maintenance costs compared to various other
building materials such as wood. In the case of clay bricks, the raw material
(clay) is also readily available, thus affordable.
 Long Lasting: Compared to wood, bricks last longer as they are not
susceptible to decay or destruction by insects.
 Can withstand the elements: Compared to wood, bricks suffer less destruction
in the event of storms.

9
 Fire resistant: Bricks made from clay are non-combustible, making them less
susceptible to burning compared. Moreover, their resilience helps contain fire
in a room, thus prevent extensive damage.
 Lower insurance premium: Due to their resilience to fire, decay and bad
weather, brick houses are usually charged lower insurance premium compared
to those made of more susceptible materials like wood.
 Regulate temperatures: They have better thermal mass than various other
building materials, thus have the ability to regulate temperatures. Heat and
cold take more time to travel through the thick mass, aiding in insulation. This
helps save on your energy bill.
 Environment friendly: Bricks made from naturally-occurring materials (shale
and clay), are considered the most environment-friendly building material.
They also undergo an eco-friendly manufacturing process as most brick
makers utilize natural gas and other bio-based materials in their kilns.
 Reusable and recyclable: Bricks are recyclable and can be used on other
projects such as landscaping.

10
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION:

This chapter presents the available published literatures which were

collected as base papers on High Strength brick by Using Natural admixtures
and properties of natural admixtures for strength and durability properties. The
referred journal papers are briefly reviewed below.

2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW:

Strength Characteristics of Different Types of Bricks

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN (Online): 2319-7064
Impact Factor (2012): 3.358

The principle source of energy in India is the coal and it will remain the major source
of thermal power for the next few decades. Nearly 65% power in India is generated
through thermal power plants (TPP).The fly ash generation is increasing in such a
proportion that it will not be possible for the cement industry alone to utilizethe
same. New avenues of gainful utilization of fly ash have to be found and promoted.
The generation of fly ash in different five year plans. Fly ash is the by-product of
coal combustion collected by the mechanical or electrostatic precipitator (ESP)
before the flue gases reach the chimneys of thermal power stations in very large
volumes. Clay bricks monograms which is given in national building code SP: 10-
1975. [1] Indian coal on an average has 30% to 40% Ash and this is one of the prime
factors which shall lead to increased ash production and hence, Ash utilization

11
problems for the country. The disposal of this waste material is a matter of great
concern from the environmental and ecological point of view. The safest and gainful
utilization of this material has been one of the topics of research over the last few
decades.
The advantages of fly ash utilization are:
• Saving of space for disposal and natural resources
• Energy saving and Protection of environment
The options of ash utilization including the ash based
products are at development stage and need to be made more environments friendly
by bringing ash revolution.
Minimum average compressive strength of brick shall not be less than 7.5
N/mm2 when tested as per IS-3495 (Part-1):1976. The compressive strength of any
individual brick shall not be fall below the minimum average compressive
strength by more than 20%.
For clay bricks Apparatus like compression testing machine (CTM)
Compression plate which have ball setting in the form of portion of spare the centre
of each of coincide with the centre of plate. Place the specimen with flat faces
horizontal and mortar filled facing upward between two 3 ply plywood sheets each
of 3mm thick. Applying load axially at uniform rate of 14N/mm2 per minute till
failure occurs that is maximum load at failure. In place of plywood sheet plaster of
Paris may be used for uniform surface for application of load.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRENGTH BEHAVIOR OF BRICKS

USING ADMIXTURES
International Journal For Technological Research In Engineering Volume 5,
Issue 10,
12
 June-2018 ISSN (Online): 2347 – 4718

A brick is a building material used to make walls, pavements and other

elements in masonry construction. Admixtures are added into the clay soil to
increase the strength variation of bricks such as jaggery, palm jaggery, soap nut.
Which are used in required proportions as follows. Jaggery and ordinary water is
mixed with the required proportions such as 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml with
clay soil. Palm jaggery and ordinary water is mixed with the required proportions
such as 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml with clay soil. Soap nut and ordinary water
is mixed with the required proportions such as 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml with
clay soil. Jaggery, palm jaggery, soap nut is mixed with required proportions such
as 60ml, 100ml, 200ml and 300ml with clay soil. Each of the above required
proportioned brick is conducting the following tests. Compressive strength Test,
Water absorption Test, Efflorescence test, Soundness test then the compressive
strength of distinct proportions is found by the experimental studies. Results shows
by the comparative of compressive strength of bricks with normal and adding of
admixtures for strength variation of bricks.
A brick is building material used to make walls, pavements and other elements
in masonry construction. Traditionally, the term brick referred to a unit composed
of clay, but it is now used to denote any rectangular units lay in mortar. A brick can
be composed of clay-bearing soil, sand, and lime, or concrete materials. Bricks are
produced in numerous classes, types, materials, and sizes which vary with region
and time period, and are produced in bulk quantities. Two basic categories of bricks
are fired and non-fired bricks.
BRICK is a rectangular in shape and of size that can be convenient to handle
with one hand .Brick may be made of burnt clay or mixture of sand and lime or of
13
fly ash lime and sand or of Portland cement concrete. Clay bricks are commonly
used since these are economical and easily available. The main object is to resolve
the behavior of bricks in compression by adding kadukkai, Jaggery, palm jaggery
and jaggery waste as admixtures into the bricks. This Jaggery is fermented for one
day and 25gms of jaggery is mixed with 1 litter of water.
Kadukkai is fermented for 3 days to 7 days and 100gms of kadukkai is mixed
with 1 litter of water. Jaggery waste is mixed with some amount of clay. Palm
Jaggery is fermented for one day and 25gms of jaggery is mixed with 1 litter of
water. Normal brick compressive strength is 2.86N/mm². Comparatively jaggery and
ordinary water combination gives 2.9N/mm2 compressive strength greater than
normal brick of at 300ml. Palm jaggery and ordinary water gives less compressive
strength than normal brick. Compare those above two ingredients (1&2) jaggery
gives more strength to bricks. Jaggery and kadukkai water combination gives the
less compressive strength than normal brick . Palm jaggery and kadukkai water
combination gives the less compressive strength than the normal brick . Compare
above two ingredients (3&4) nearly gives less strength then the normal bick.palm
jaggery, jaggery, kadukkai, these three combination gives the greater compressive
strength i.e;3.35N/mm2 strength than the normal brick at 300ml.

Effective Utilization of Herbocrete - A natural admixture in cement mortar to

assess the strength properties

Dr. M.Vijaya Sekhar Reddy et al. International Journal of Institutional &

Industrial Research ISSN: 2456-1274, Vol. 3, Issue 1,
Jan-April 2018, pp.31-36

14
 Cement has been used as the major construction material. Lime is arguably
the world first true green and versatile building material. With the introduction of
Portland cement during the nineteenth century the use of lime mortar in new
constructions gradually declined, largely due to Portland’s ease of use, quick setting
and compressive strength. Lime posse’s greater qualities such as stickiness, ease of
applications, breathability, moisture resistance, natural antiseptic, self-healing,
durability, low thermal conductivity, incombustible, solar production, harmonious
balance. The traditional lime binder offers greater durability but less strong
compared to cement. Now-a-days various chemicals are used as admixture to
improve the strength and performance of concrete. The cement and chemicals used
in modern construction causes environmental pollution and its effect is significant.
But a variety of plants and animal products used in traditional lime mortar not only
improves the strength but also proves its durability for centuries. It also helps to
retrieve the traditional concept of addition of admixture to concrete. By shifting
ourselves to use such eco-friendly (natural) admixtures in mortar will lead the
construction industry towards sustainable development. So, in this study an effort is
made to improve the strength parameters of the cement mortar by using natural
admixtures. The natural admixtures that are found to improve the strength are
“Terminalia chebula” (kadukkai). The compressive strength of varying proportions
of admixtures is found out by experimental study and the values are compared with
the conventional cement mortar. The proportions of admixtures are varied from
2.5% 5% 7.5% 10% 12.5% and 15%. The results show that the admixtures improved
the strength of the cement mortar. Terminalia chebula when added to cement mortar
has no effect on workability but increases the compressive strength by 1.31 times of
reference mortar.
Holmes Stafford (2002), Cement forms an integral part of the modern
construction industry for past 100 years. Though cement mortar offers early strength,
15
faster construction, it has number of disadvantages such as the environmental
impacts during its manufacture, energy consumption during manufacture and
behavior under seismic forces is under great question.
David S Mitchell (2007), Compared to modern structures, traditional
structures in India can be adopted by the people of all generation since the
fundamental nature of construction is always flexible and in tune with the rhythmic
spatial forms to suit the taste of every generation. Indian traditional structures built
with lime mortar, which are more than 4,000 years old like Mohanjo-Daro is still a
heritage monument of Indian civilization. The traditional construction concepts will
definitely provide inputs to supplement modern construction methods and this will
pave a flexible way by extracting the essence from ancient texts and interpret it to
suit modern constructions .
Palomo et al., (2003), In recent past, attempts are being made to enhance the
strength parameters by addition of chemical admixtures in cement concrete, though
it is performing well in all mechanical characteristics. Lime’s durability is evident
throughout the ages. Though its durability aspect of lime mortar is time tested, its
strength criterion stands lower than the Portland cement .
Pritchett (2003), Lime allows the building to "breathe". Water can escape by
evaporation, unlike cement where the only way the water can escape is by being
absorbed into the bricks. Lime is soft and flexible. It allows the building to move
without cracking and letting water in and thus "self healing". Lime is biodegradable
and recyclable. Lime is burnt at a lower temperature than cement in the production
process (900°C as opposed to 1300°C), therefore making lime production is not only
more environmentally friendly but also more economic as well. Lime can also be
produced on a small scale to supply a local market. This greatly reduces
transportation cost.

16
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Topic selection and

literature study

Collection of
materials

Mix design

Casting and curing

Testing of specimens

Analysis of results

Results and
Discussion

Analysis of results

17
 CHAPTER 4

MIX DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF BRICKS

4.1 PALM JAGGERY AND ORDINARY WATER 25gms of Palm jaggery is

mixed with 1000ml of water. The Palm jaggery is fermented for one day. Palm
Jaggery and ordinary water mixed with clay soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml,
and 300ml. 50gms of Palm jaggery is mixed with 1000ml of water. The Palm jaggery
is fermented for one day. Palm Jaggery and ordinary water mixed with clay soil in
the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml. 100gms of Palm jaggery is mixed with
1000ml of water. The Palm jaggery is fermented for one day. Palm Jaggery and
ordinary water mixed with clay soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.

Figure 6: PALM JAGGERY WITH WATER

4.2 JAGGERY AND KADUKKAI WATER 25gms of Jaggery and kadukkai is

mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for seven days. Jaggery,
water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml,
and 300ml.

18
50gms of Jaggery and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is
fermented for seven days. Jaggery, water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil
in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.

100gms of Jaggery and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is
fermented for seven days. Jaggery, water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil
in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.

4.3 KADUKKAI WATER 25gms of Palm jaggery and kadukkai is mixed with
1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for seven days.Palm Jaggery water and
kadukkai water mixed with clay soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.
50gms of Palm jaggery and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai
is fermented for seven days. Palm Jaggery water and kadukkai water mixed with
clay soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml. 100gms of Palm jaggery
and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for seven
days. Palm Jaggery water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil in the ratio of
60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.

19
 Figure 7: KADUKKAI POWDER WITH WATER

4.4 PALM JAGGERY WITH KADUKKAI WATER 25gms of Jaggery, Palm

jaggery and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for
seven days. Jaggery and Palm Jaggery water and kadukkai water mixed with clay
soil in the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml. 50gms of Jaggery, Palm jaggery
and kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for seven
days. Jaggery and Palm Jaggery water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil in
the ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml. 100gms of Jaggery, Palm jaggery and
kadukkai is mixed with 1000ml of water. The kadukkai is fermented for seven days.
Jaggery and Palm Jaggery water and kadukkai water mixed with clay soil in the ratio
of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml.

4.5 PREPARATION OF CLAY In this present work, the main object is to resolve
the behavior of bricks in compression by adding kadukkai, Jaggery, palm jaggery

20
and jaggery waste as admixtures into the bricks. This Jaggery is fermented for one
day and 25gms of jaggery is mixed with 1 litter of water. Kadukkai is fermented for
3 days to 7 days and 100gms of kadukkai is mixed with 1 litter of water. Jaggery
waste is mixed with some amount of clay. Palm Jaggery is fermented for one day
and 25gms of jaggery is mixed with 1 litter of water As per quantity of clay soil
taken. Add a Admixture of Jaggery, Palm Jaggery water and Jaggery waste in a
different ratio of 60ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 300ml into the clay soil. Add Kadukkai
water as per ratio into the clay soil. Then use hand or leg tempering the clay. Proper
mix is essential.

Figure 8: PREPARATION OF CLAY

4.6 MOULDING OF BRICKS Moulding of the bricks into the proper shape and
size can be done manually with the hands or it can be done with the help of machines.
Hand moulding can take more time as compare to the machine moulding. Hand
moulding is employed when the cheap labor available to us and less numbers of
bricks are required to be manufactured and machine moulding can be employed
when the labor is costly and the large numbers of bricks are required. Machine

21
moulding is more accurate than the hand moulding. After the Clay with admixture
is ready for moulding. The Sand is spread into the floor before moulding. Pour the
clay in half portion of mould and press downward. Likewise the remaining clay is
put into the mould consider the all corners. Then finally finishing should be made
on moulded clay. After that finishing process mould can remove upward and frog is
drawn on the moulded clay. After molding process the bricks contain some amount
of moisture in it. So, drying is to be done otherwise they may cracked while burning.
The drying of raw bricks is done by natural process. The bricks are laid in stacks. A
stack consists 8 to 10 stairs. The bricks in these stacks should be arranged in such a
way that circulation of air in between the bricks is free. The period of drying may be
3 to 10 days. It also depends upon the weather conditions. The drying yards are also
prepared on higher level than the normal ground for the prevention of bricks from
rain water. In Some situations artificial drying is adopted under special dryers or hot
gases. After the moulding process the moulded clay soil is dry it for half day in the
position. After half day turn the brick and finishes should be done. Then it will allow
for dry 1day in the position. After 1 day the moulded bricks are arrange in a window
position. In summer season it will dry in 7 days. In winter season it will dry in 15
days.

22
 Figure 9: STANDARD BRICK MOULD (190*90*90))mm

4.7 BURNING OF BRICKS In the process of burning, the dried bricks are burned
either in clamps (small scale) or kilns (large scale) up to certain degree temperature.
In this stage, the bricks will gain hardness and strength so it is important stage in
manufacturing of bricks. The temperature required for burning is about 1200°C. If
they burnt beyond this limit they will be brittle and easy to break. If they burnt under
this limit, they will not gain full strength and there is a chance to absorb moisture
from the atmosphere. Hence burning should be done properly to meet the
requirements of good brick

23
Figure 10: BURNING OF BRICK

24
 CHAPTER 5

TESTS OF MATERIALS AND BRICKS

It is necessary to check the quality of brick before using it in any construction

activities. There are some field tests that we can conduct in the field in order to check
the quality of bricks. These tests are as follows.

5.1 CLAY:
Physical inspection, Fineness test, Presents of impurities are checked before
using in brick manufacturing.

Figure 11 : CLAY FOR HIGH STRENGTH BRICK

5.2 KADUKKAI :
Well grained powder form is ensured by visiting on factory.

5.3 PALM JAGGERY:

Colour is ensured by naked eye (dark brown).

25
5.4 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST:

Unevenness observed in the bed faces of bricks is removed to provide two

smooth and parallel faces by grinding. It is immersed in water at room temperature
for 24 h. The specimen is then removed and any surplus moisture is drained out at
room temperature. The frog and all voids in the bed face is filled with cement mortar
. It is stored under the damp jute bags for 24 h followed by immersion in clean water
for 3 days. The specimen is placed with flat faces horizontal, and mortar filled face
facing upwards between two 3 ply plywood sheets each of 3 mm thickness and
carefully centered between plates of testing machine. Load is applied axially at a
uniform rate of 14 N/mm2 per minute till failure occurs. The maximum load at
failure is noted down. The load at failure is considered the maximum load at which
the specimen fails to produce any further increase in the indicator reading on the
testing machine.

Objective

For determination of compressive strength of bricks.

Reference Standard

IS: 3495-P (1) – 1992-Methods of tests of burnt clay building bricks.

(Determination of compressive strength test)

Equipment & Apparatus

Universal Testing Meachine(UTM)

26
Procedure
1. Unevenness observed in the bed faces of bricks is removed to provide two
smooth and parallel faces by grinding.
2. The specimen is placed with flat faces horizontal, and mortar filled face facing
upwards between two 3 plywood sheets each of 3mm thickness and carefully
centred between plates of testing machine.
3. Load is applied at a uniform rate of 14 N/mm2 per minute till failure occurs. The
maximum load at failure is noted down. The load at failure is considered the
maximum load at which the specimen fails to produce any further increase in the
indicator reading on the testing machine.

Reports
The average of results shall be reported.

Safety & Precautions

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the
oven.
 Use safety shoes at the time of testing.
 Before testing, the machine should be properly checked.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.

27
 Figure 12: COMPRESSION TESTING OF BRICK

5.5 WATER ABSORPTION TEST:

3 bricks are taken and the bricks are weighed dry and the average dry weight of 3
bricks is calculated. Bricks are then immersed in water for a period of 24 hours. After
24 hours of immersion, bricks are weighed again and average of 3 bricks is
calculated. The difference of the final average weight and initial average weight
indicates the amount of water absorbed by the bricks. It should not in any case
exceed 20percent of average weight of dry bricks.

Objective :

For determination of water absorption of bricks.

Reference Standards:

IS: 3495 (Part-2)-1992, RA 2011

Equipment & Apparatus :

Balance (0-10 Kg)

Procedure :

28
1. The specimen is dried in a room at a normal temperature till it attains
substantially constant mass. The specimen weight is recorded (M1).

2. The dried specimen is immersed completely in clean water at a room

temperature of 27±2ºc for 24 hours.

3. The specimen is then removed and any traces of water are wiped out with a
damp cloth.

4. The specimen is weighted. The weighing is completed in 3 min after the

specimen has removed from water (M2).
Calculation:

Water absorption, present by Weight after 24 hours immersion in cold water

is given by the following formula ,

Water absorption =( 2− 1/ 2)*100

Reports:

The water absorption of brick shall be reported to the nearest one

percentage.

Safety & Precautions:

Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the
oven.
Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.

29
 Figure 13: WATER ABSORPTION TEST

5.6 EFFLORESCENCE TEST :

Efflorescence is a crystalline, salty deposit that occurs on the surfaces of

bricks A good quality brick should not contain any soluble salts in it. If soluble salts
are there, then it will cause efflorescence on brick surfaces. To know the presence
of soluble salts in a brick, placed it in a water bath for 24 hours and dry it in shade.
After drying, observe the brick surface thoroughly. If there is any white or grey color
deposits, then it contains soluble salts and not useful for construction.

30
 Figure 14: Efflorescence Test

5.7 SOUNDNESS TEST:

In this test, the two bricks are taken and they are struck with each other. The
bricks should not break and a clear ringing sound should be produced.

5.8 HARDNESS TEST:

In this test, a scratch is made on brick surface with the help of a finger nail.
If no impression is left on the surface, brick is treated to be sufficiently hard.

The Hardness tests of bricks are as follows:

Mix proportion 1: No impression
Mix proportion 2: No impression

31
 CHAPTER 6
RESULTS
6.1 WATER ABSORPTION TEST RESULT:
Bricks are taken and the bricks are weighed dry and the average dry weight of
5 bricks is calculated. Bricks are then immersed in water for a period of 24 hours.
After 24 hours of immersion, bricks are weighed again and average of 5 bricks is
calculated.

Table 1. Water Absorption Test

Type of Brick Specimen- Specimen-2 Specimen-3 Specimen-

1 4

Ordinary Bricks 12.43% 12.39% 12.21% 12.55%

Admixture added 11.46% 11.21% 10.91% 10.62%

Brick

6.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULT:

Unevenness observed in the bed faces of bricks is removed to provide two

smooth and parallel faces by grinding. It is immersed in water at room temperature
for 24 h. The specimen is then removed and any surplus moisture is drained out at
room temperature. The frog and all voids in the bed face is filled with cement mortar
. It is stored under the damp jute bags for 24 h followed by immersion in clean water
for 3 days.

32
Calculation:
Compression strength (N/mm2) = Maximum load at failure in N /Avg.area of the
bed faces in mm2

Table 2. Compression strength of Normal Brick

Sl.no Load(KN) Compressive Strength

(N/mm2)

1 51 2.48

2 54 3.15

3 60 3.51

Figure 15. Compression test graph

4
Compresive Strength

3.5
(N/mm2)

2.5

2
50 55 60
Load (KN)

33
 Table 3. Compression strength of 25gms of palm Jaggery, Kadukkai
Water with clay Soil

Sl.no Ratio of Proportion(ml) Compressive strength (N/mm2)

1 50 4.07
2 100 4.23
3 200 3.91
4 300 4.62

Figure 16. Compression strength of 25gms of palm Jaggery, Kadukkai

Water with clay Soil

5
Compressive Strength

4.5
(N/mm2)

3.5

3
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Ratioofmix Proportion Addedtothe Brick
(ml)

Table 4. Compression strength of 50gms of palm jiggery, Kadukkai

water with Clay Soil

Sl.no Ratio of Propagation Compressive Strength(N/mm2))

(ml)

1 50 4.13
2 100 4.29
3 200 4.02

34
 4 300 4.56

Figure 17. Compression strength of 50gms of palm jiggery, Kadukkai

water with Clay Soil

5
Compressive Strength

4.5
(N/mm2)

3.5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Ratio of Mix Proportion Added to The Brick
(ml)

Table 5. Compression strength of 100gms of palm jiggery, Kadukkai

water with Clay Soil

Sl.no Ratio of Propagation Compressive Strength(N/mm2))

(ml)

1 50 4.31
2 100 4.57
3 200 4.38
4 300 4.93

Figure 18. Compression strength of 100gms of palm jiggery, Kadukkai

water with Clay Soil

35
 5

Compressive Strength
4.5

(N/mm2 )
4

3.5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Ratio of Mix Proportion Added To The Brick
(ml)

36
 CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION
 Compressive strength of ordinary clay brick is 3.05 N/mm2 . Comparatively
Admixture added brick gives greater Compressive strength of 4.34 N/mm2.
 In the admixture brick water absorption is very less when compared to
ordinary clay brick.
 Efflorescence is not presented in the admixture brick.
 The Admixture added brick gives good metallic sound when stuck with each
other.
 Long Lasting: Compared to wood, bricks last longer as they are not
susceptible to decay or destruction by insects.
 Can withstand the elements: Compared to wood, bricks suffer less destruction
in the event of storms.
 Fire resistant: Bricks made from clay are non-combustible, making them less
susceptible to burning compared. Moreover, their resilience helps contain fire
in a room, thus prevent extensive damage.
 Regulate temperatures: They have better thermal mass than various other
building materials, thus have the ability to regulate temperatures. Heat and
cold take more time to travel through the thick mass, aiding in insulation. This
helps save on your energy bill.
 Environment friendly: Bricks made from naturally-occurring materials (shale
and clay), are considered the most environment-friendly building material.
They also undergo an eco-friendly manufacturing process as most brick
makers utilize natural gas and other bio-based materials in their kilns.
 Reusable and recyclable: Bricks are recyclable and can be used on other
projects such as landscaping.

37
 CHAPTER 8
REFERENCES
8.1 Journal Article

 Study on the Compressive Strength of Lime Mortar Using Admixtures

IJIREM, ISSN: 2350-0557, Volume-3, Special Issue-1, April-(2015).
 Effect of Sugar and Jaggery on Strength Properties of Concrete Giridhar.V,
Gnaneswar. K and Kishore Kumar Reddy. P. The International Journal of
Engineering and Science) .
 Experimental Investigation of Herbocrete-An Effective Use of Natural
Admixtures International Journal of Advanced Research in Science,
Engineering and Technology Vol. 3, Issue 4, April (2016).
 Behavioural Study on Partial Replacement of Lime and Natural Admixtures
in Conventional Mortar, International Advanced Research Journal in Science,
Engineering and Technology, Vol. 5, Issue 3, March 2018.
 Effective Utilization of Herbocrete - A natural admixture in cement mortar to
assess the strength properties.
 Dr. M.Vijaya Sekhar Reddy et al. International Journal of Institutional &
Industrial Research ISSN: 2456-1274, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Jan-April 2018, pp.31-
36
8.2 Book

 Study on the soundness test of brick we refer from the S.K.DUGGAL book
on building materials fourth edition issued in (2012).

38