Abstract
An experimental study was conducted to investigate the potential of fired clay bricks containing sawdust as a construction material. Sawdust samples were obtained from wood shavings prepared in the laboratory; the clay was ground to a fine homogenous powder. Both materials were subjected to physical and chemical tests. Clay brick samples containing 4% and 8% sawdust by mass were produced in the laboratory, fired at temperatures ranging from 70 to 850 °C, and compared with control clay brick samples containing 0% sawdust. The behavior of the bricks was studied during firing to determine the suitable firing temperature for clay–sawdust bricks. The fired clay–sawdust bricks were further tested for drying shrinkage, porosity, compressive strength, water absorption, and bulk density properties. The results showed that the firing time for clay bricks decreased by approximately 2 h when 4% sawdust was added, and by approximately 4 h when 8% sawdust was added. The results also show that the added sawdust produced lighter, more absorbent, and less resistant clay bricks.
•This experimental study was carried out to investigate the potential of fired clay bricks containing sawdust as a construction material.•A proper firing program as a function of time and temperatures has been established for bricks with wood sawdust.•The addition of sawdust significantly altered the density, absorption and compressive strength of fired bricks.•Sawdust reduces connections between clay grains and produced a lighter, more absorbent and less resistant material.