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Winkler Diagram – Tool to

modern brick making.

Webinar Series 2001

13th July 2020

Kannan V K
Bangalore
 Bricks
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 What comes to mind is

 There are lot more to this
 Based
 Shape
 Size
 Colors
 Engineering properties
 Aquastic Insulation
 Thermal Insulation
 Light weight
 Load Bearing …….
Soil
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Soil consists of
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Single grain sized soil
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Definition – Based on Grain Size
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2 mm – 63 to 2
< 2 µm
63 µm µm

> 2 mm
 Clay – Definition
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<2
Micron
PSD Test Method Limitations
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µm
Fines have a charge
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Coarse – Fine divide
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What Next & How to
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Various Techniques available
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Sedimentation Analysis
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 Ideal PSD curve
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< 2 µm 63 - 2 µm

2 mm – > 2mm
63 µm
The complete PSD curve
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Coarse Grained Soil
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Fine Grained Soil
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PSD Curve for different
soil Kannan V K
 Winkler Diagram
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 Universal diagram
 USDA Soil Texture Triangle
 Brick Co – Winkler diagram

 This is a plot of three points on a triangle ( tri-axial

diagram)
 Clay % , Silt % and Sand %
 Winkler Diagram
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< 2 µm 63 to 2 µm

2 mm - 63 µm
Lab test
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PSD data
SAN D SILT C LAY

Clay
25%
Silt
45%
Sand
30%
By Knowing PSD – What is the
USE? Kannan V K

• Know the type of clay

– Sandy clay, Silty clay, Medium Loam, ….

• Know the use of this clay

– ( suitable for RT, SB, FB, Hollow)

• If BLEND – we can know the suitability for the

end product ( Roofing tile, solid brick, or
Perforated bricks)

• Blend Tailoring – Lab, calculated values before

going to production floor
Winkler Diagram
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Max Strength
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Flexural

Compressive
Basic 3
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0 – 26 % Clays = Loams
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26-40% Clays = Clay Loams
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> 40% Clay = Clay
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Right Side
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 Left Side
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Avoid
Middle
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Sedementation Analysis
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For < 75 Micron
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PSD / Sedimentation /
Stokes Law Kannan V K
Stokes Law - Explained
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Homogeneous Suspension
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Stokes Law – Brief explanation
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PSD – Hydrometer Test Method
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Hydrometer Readings
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40 Sec &
2 Hour Reading
 Hydrometer Test – in Brief
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 Step 1:
 Preparation of Sodium Hexa Meta Phosphate solution:
 Step 2:
 Determining Moisture Content:
 Step 3:
 Treating soil with SHMP:
 Step 4:
 Setting up Graduated cylinder:
 Step 5:
 Hydrometer Reading: (40 Sec and 2 Hr)
What the experts say
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 Conclusion
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 Soil consists of various grain size

 If you determine the PSD of the soil and

plot on winkler diagram – then

 Clay Type, Clay use. Helps in blending to

tailor required clay type

 By tailoring your blend – no need for

plasticity tests.
 Start Now.
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Start to be self reliant

Brick making is not

Rocket science

But simple science.

 Change = K
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The future
belongs to
those who
prepare for it
TODAY !!
 Kannan V K

Thank you for

Your
attention

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