Chemophysical characterization of clay soil used for locally manufactured burnt bricks in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria

Authors

  • A.N. Amah Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State
  • I. Ahemen Department of Physics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State
  • A. Kur Department of Physics, College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State

Keywords:

Raw clay; chemophysical properties; burnt bricks

Abstract

This study characterized raw samples of clay soil used for local production of burnt bricks in Makurdi. The samples were
collected from three well known sites where burnt bricks are produced in Makurdi, Benue State. Chemical analysis showed that
the clay is highly rich in Silica-SiO2 (67.9%), Alumina-Al2O3 (17.7%), Potassium oxide-K2O (4.2%) and Iron II oxide-FeO
(4.2%). The percentages of fifteen other elements identified are not significant. This shows that Kaolinite (Al2Si2O7) must be
responsible for the strength of the burnt clay. The physical analysis showed that the sample(s) has on average, 69.8% clay
fraction, 20.7% silt fraction and 8.9% sand fraction. The particle size is <425μm. Average plasticity index is 11.4%, Linear
shrinkage is 11.0% while Specific gravity is 2.56%. These values are comparable to specifications of Association of American
state Highway and Transportation officials, AASHTO H2O guideline.

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Published

2011-01-01

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2011): Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Section

Articles