Investigation Of Clay Soil Suitability For Brick Productions: A Case Of Mattu Area

Abstract

Brick, renowned for its versatility, is a key building material, especially in Ethiopia, where the escalating costs of construction materials due to inflation and population growth necessitate alternative, cost-effective solutions. Addressing this, the study in vestigates the viability of utilizing clay soil for brick production as an eco-friendly sub stitute for traditional wood-dependent practices, further exacerbated by global warm ing concerns. The research focuses on clay soil obtained from four distinct locations: Dizzi, Mesreta, Shame, and Yember in the Ilu Aba Bori zone, Oromia Regional National State, Ethiopia. A comprehensive analysis encompassing chemical composition, physi cal characteristics, soil classification, Atterberg limits, the Procter compaction test, and the engineering properties of clay bricks forms the core of the study. Dimension tolerance, efflorescence, and water absorption tests are conducted on the clay bricks, displaying favorable results attributed to the high clay content and material flexibility. Results from the investigation reveal uniform physical qualities among the clay soil samples from Dizzi, Mesreta, Shame, and Yember. Atterberg analysis indicates plastic ity index values of 21, 14, 18, and 19%, respectively. The study further assesses the compressive strength of clay bricks molded from these soil types and burned at various preheated temperatures (500°C to 1000°C). Notably, soil samples from Dizzi, Mesreta, Shame, and Yember exhibit the highest compressive strengths at 19.06, 16.15, 18.02, and 17.56 MPa, respectively. Saliva binding between soil particles, coupled with ele vated clay and chemical/oxide content, contributes to the observed robust compressive strengths. In conclusion, the investigation establishes that soil samples from Dizzi, Mesreta, Shame, and Yember are suitable for brick, which is economically affordable and environmentally friendly rather than using conventional building materials in the area. It is recommended that concerned body engage brick production firms or union for the production of brick in the stated areas so that the stakeholders and community of the area benefited from the locally available clay soil resource.