EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF STEEL SLAG STABILIZED BURNT BRICKS

Abstract

The influence of firing temperature on the crushing strength of steel slag stabilized lateritic proctor-sized bricks was investigated. The laboratory tests were carried out according to BS 1775:1990. The lateritic soil used for the bricks attains its maximum dry density of 1621kg/m² at an optimum moisture content of 19.5%. Stabilization of the soil with steel slag reveals that 7.5% steel slag is required to optimally fill the air voids in the soil. The results showed that the crushing strength of the stabilized bricks is about two and half times that of unstabilized. The crushing strength of 7.5% steel slag stabilized bricks increases with increase in temperature up to 750°C, after which it reduces drastically, inferring that the soil-slag bond is completely formed at 750°C. At 1000°C, the bricks became weak and friable. The strength of the fired stabilized brick at 750°C is almost twice the unfired brick. The bricks were also found to be durable under normal condition of exposure. It is concluded that properly prepared steel stabilized lateritic-fired bricks have potentials of being used in low cost housing construction.