*2.4.2 Brick density*

Brick density is one of the primary tests on bricks. This test shall be done for both dry and wet bricks [5]. The formula used for finding brick density is as below:

$$\text{brick density} = \frac{\text{dry weight}}{\text{volume of brick}} = \frac{\text{kg}}{\text{m}^3}$$

#### **Figure 1.**

*Compression test of geopolymer bricks.*


**47**

*2.4.3 Water absorption*

*2.4.4 Dimensionality test*

absorption obtained for the samples tested).

*Water absorption test results of geopolymer bricks.*

*Geopolymer Bricks Using Iron Ore Tailings, Slag Sand, Ground Granular Blast Furnace Slag…*

GB-1 1978 2110 GB-2 2001 2086 GB-3 2055 2152 GB-4 2006 2127 GB-5 2061 2136 GB-6 2120 2180

**) Wet density (kg/m3**

**/min) or (g) Water absorption (%)**

**)**

(Please refer to **Table 10** for the density obtained for the samples tested).

GB-1 1.06 (27) 6.67 GB-2 0.94 (24) 4.22 GB-3 1.03 (26) 4.71 GB-4 1.28 (32) 6.04 GB-5 1.06 (27) 3.71 GB-6 0.90 (23) 2.83

The water absorption for dry bricks should not exceed 20% of the weight of the brick [5]. The acceptable values for initial rate of absorption (IRA) range from 10 to 30 grams. Dry brick with an IRA above 30 should be wetted before using for construction (Please refer to **Figure 2** and to **Table 11**, for the results of water

Dimensionality test shall be carried out according to IS: 2185-Part [1] specification (Refer, **Figure 3**). In this test, 20 or more bricks shall be selected at random and shall be arranged in rows and the dimensions shall be measured to the nearest

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81748*

**Table 10.**

**Figure 2.**

**Table 11.**

*Water absorption test of geopolymer bricks.*

**Brick ID Initial rate of absorption (kg/m2**

*Density of geopolymer bricks.*

**Brick ID Dry density (kg/m3**

#### **Table 9.**

*Compressive strength of geopolymer bricks.*

*Geopolymer Bricks Using Iron Ore Tailings, Slag Sand, Ground Granular Blast Furnace Slag… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81748*


#### **Table 10.**

*Geopolymers and Other Geosynthetics*

strength of the samples tested).

*2.4.2 Brick density*

The compressive test of a brick is considered as an index of its durability and ability in a masonry wall to resist crushing loads [5, 7]. Even though most of the bricks are specified in terms of strength, it is important not to sacrifice on the properties of durability and bond for higher compressive strengths. Most of the bricks will a have strength generally ranging from 3.5 MPa to over 10 MPa. The dry compression test shall be carried out according to IS: 3495-Part [1]—1992 specification (or alternate as per the local relevant codes **Figure 1**). Five bricks per mix shall be taken for testing and their average value turns will be the "Dry Compressive Strength" of the brick. (Please refer to **Table 9** for the results of the compressive

Compressive Strength = Failure Load/Area of Bed Face.

brick density <sup>=</sup> dry weight \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ volume of brick <sup>=</sup> kg \_\_\_

**Dry compressive strength (N/mm2**

**7th day 14th day 28th day**

GB-1 15.41 17.79 21.86 13.79 GB-2 13.04 14.82 18.46 11.70 GB-3 11.86 13.44 16.68 10.67 GB-4 17.59 20.16 25.3 20.95 GB-5 15.22 17.39 21.58 17.39 GB-6 13.24 15.02 18.38 15.18

Brick density is one of the primary tests on bricks. This test shall be done for both dry and wet bricks [5]. The formula used for finding brick density is as below:

m<sup>3</sup>

**) Wet compressive strength (N/mm2**

**)**

**2.4 Tests on bricks**

*2.4.1 Compressive strength*

**46**

**Table 9.**

**Figure 1.**

**Brick ID**

*Compression test of geopolymer bricks.*

*Compressive strength of geopolymer bricks.*

*Density of geopolymer bricks.*

#### **Figure 2.**

*Water absorption test of geopolymer bricks.*


#### **Table 11.**

*Water absorption test results of geopolymer bricks.*

(Please refer to **Table 10** for the density obtained for the samples tested).

#### *2.4.3 Water absorption*

The water absorption for dry bricks should not exceed 20% of the weight of the brick [5]. The acceptable values for initial rate of absorption (IRA) range from 10 to 30 grams. Dry brick with an IRA above 30 should be wetted before using for construction (Please refer to **Figure 2** and to **Table 11**, for the results of water absorption obtained for the samples tested).

#### *2.4.4 Dimensionality test*

Dimensionality test shall be carried out according to IS: 2185-Part [1] specification (Refer, **Figure 3**). In this test, 20 or more bricks shall be selected at random and shall be arranged in rows and the dimensions shall be measured to the nearest

#### **Figure 3.**

*Dimensionality test of geopolymer bricks.*


#### **Table 12.**

*Dimensionality test results of geopolymer bricks.*

millimeter. The overall lengths of the arranged bricks shall be measured with the help of a steel tape. Similarly the width and depth of the arranged bricks are measured along straight line. (Please refer to **Table 12** for the results obtained for the dimensionality test of the geopolymer bricks).
