To determine the Compressive Strength of a Burnt Clay Brick Using Universal Testing Machine (UTM).

To Determine the Compressive Strength of a Burnt Clay Brick Using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM).

INTRODUCTION:

Building materials have an important role to play in this modern age of technology. It is very important to know its compressive strength so that I can be used confidently. Compressive strength is the index of the overall quality of a brick. A higher compressive strength means a relatively better brick. This lab is intended to enhance the knowledge of the compressive strength of bricks and their calculation procedure.

Apparatus Required:

• Universal Testing Machine, Scale.

Materials Required:

• Bricks from different sources, Cementor Sand Mortar, and two plywood sheets of 3mm thickness each.

THEORY:

Compressive Strength: Compressive strength is the capacity of the material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size. The compressive strength of a brick is defined as “the force acting per unit area”. When we apply the load, resistance is created and these resistances are called stresses. The stress at which a brick breaks is its maximum strength and it is the maximum stress that the brick can bear.
Mathematically,
Compressive Strength of a Brick = Load at which it starts to break / Area

Procedure:

1. First, immerse the brick in the water for 24 hours.
2. Put the brick in oven for 24 hours at 110°C to 115°C
3. Measure the Length and Breadth of the brick.
4. Prepare cement or sand mortar with a ratio of 1:3.
5. Apply the prepared mortar on the brick also fill the frog properly. The frog is
   filled to apply the force uniformly.
6. Now place the brick between the two plywood sheets. Make sure that you
   place the brick in such a way that the mortar should face upwards.
7. Now keep the brick in a centered position between the plates of the machine.
8. Finally, exert the load as per pressure at a uniform rate till the failure occurs.

Pre-Cautions:

• Fill the frog and other voids properly.
• Apply the load over the brick uniformly
• Mortar should face upwards.
• Use only oven-dried bricks whose temperature should be between 110+5°C.

Observations:

Results:

1. The compressive strength of the brick named Sample No: 01 is N/cm2
2. The compressive strength of the brick named Sample No: 02 is N/cm2

Review Questions:

1. Why it is important to test the compressive strength of the bricks?