Variation of Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Old and New Clay Bricks
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149, Issue 4
Abstract
Clay bricks are a popular building material, especially in historical structures. Understanding the chemical and mechanical properties of bricks is vital in historical structure rehabilitation attempts, because discrepancies in the material could lead to accelerated degradation and structural failure. This research focuses on understanding the mechanical and chemical properties of clay bricks used in the world heritage city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, over the chronological period of the 18th to the 21st centuries. Chronological analysis of brick properties reveals that optimal mechanical properties in bricks are closely related to the water absorption rate and are found to be between 10% and 18% in the analyzed specimens. Further, regional mineralogical properties, such as high concentration of calcium and inclusion of barium (Ba), potassium (K), strontium (Sr), and titanium (Ti) as trace elements, were visible in most samples regardless of the year the brick was produced. The analysis also identified revealed that the inclusion of ferrous (Fe) increases performance. Assuring similar chemical characteristics in restoration material is important to avoid chemical imbalances leading to accelerated deterioration due to the presence of reactive metals in the brick composition.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University for providing technical assistance throughout this study.
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149 • Issue 4 • April 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 22, 2022
Accepted: Nov 28, 2022
Published online: Jan 17, 2023
Published in print: Apr 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jun 17, 2023
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