LAB REPORT

Experiment No- 5

Students Name-

1. Ayush Aggarwal
2. Niket Kumar
3. Rochak Aggarwal
4. Kumar Kanishka
5. Chandan Garg
6. Prakhar Singh Karol

Group Number-

T10

Date of Experiment- 11th February 2014

Date of Submission- 25th February 2014
Room Temperature- 25

OBJECTIVE
To determine the dimensions, water absorption, extent of efflorescence and compressive strength of
bricks.

MATERIAL REQUIRED
1) Dimension and tolerances
i. Suitable measuring tape.
ii. A set of 20 bricks.

2) Water absorption
i. Balance with an accuracy of 0.1% of the mass
ii. Ventilated oven
iii. A set of 5 bricks

3) Compressive Strength
i. Suitable , graduated metal scale 30 cm in length ,accurate to 1mm, to
measure brick dimensions
ii. 2-3 ply wood sheets of thickness 3mm each
iii. Compression testing machine
iv. A set of 5 bricks
4) Efflorescence
i.
ii.
iii.

A shallow flat bottom tray/dish

Distilled Water
A set of 5 bricks

RELEVANT INDIAN CODES

IS 1077:1992

This standard lays down requirements for classification, general quality, dimensions and
physical requirements of common burnt clay building bricks used in buildings.

IS 5454:1978

This standard lays down methods for sampling and criteria for ascertaining conformity
of solid, hollow and perforated burnt clay building bricks to the relevant
specifications.

IS 2180:1988

This standard lays down requirements for classification, general quality, dimensions and
physical properties of heavy duty burnt clay building bricks.

IS 2222:1991

This standard covers the dimensions, quality and physical requirements of perforated burnt
clay bricks for use in walls and partitions.

IS 2691:1988

This standard specifies the dimensions, quality and strength of burnt clay facing
bricks used in buildings and other structures.

IS 3583:1988

This standard covers dimensions, quality and strength, and methods of sampling and
test for burnt clay paving bricks for use in construction of pavements.

IS 4885:1988

This standard specifies dimensions, quality , dimensions, strength and methods of

sampling and test sewer bricks

IS 5779:1986

This standard specifies the requirements in general quality and physical properties
for burnt soiling of roads.

RESULTS
1) Average Dimensions of a brick :a) Average Length : 237.5 mm
b) Average Breadth : 114.7 mm
c) Average Height : 70.4 mm
2) Average Water Absorption in Bricks :- 13.588%
3) Average Compressive Strength :- 15.06 MPa
4) Efflorescence : Slight

COMPARING WITH THE STANDARDS

According to the specifications given to us, the following bricks fall in the following category
according to their given specifications

1) COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:
According to the given compressive strength value found, the give brick can be used for the
following purposes
a.
b.
c.
d.

Paving (Strength Req. not less than 16MPa)

Sewer Lining (Strength Req. not less than 16MPa)
Soiling (Strength Req. not less than 10MPa)
Facing (Strength Req. not less than 10MPa)

2) AVERAGE WATER ABSORPTION:

According to average water absorption test results, the given brick type is suitable to be used
for
a.
b.
c.
d.

Perforation (Absorption not more than 20%)

Sewer Lining (Absorption not more than 10%)
Soiling (Absorption not more than 20%)
Facing (Absorption not more than 15%Pa)

CONCLUSIONS

1. Size of the Bricksa.

The values obtained are fairly uniform, with tolerances well within the permissible
limits

2. Water Absorption Testa.

b.

According to IST, the % absorption of water in bricks should not be more than 15%.
In our case, it was 13.18%, hence it is ideal to be used for construction purposes.

3. Efflorescence Testa.
b.

According to IST, Nil or Slight Efflorescence is permissible for bricks.

In our case, brick was ideal, as it showed slight efflorescence.

4. Compressive Strengtha.

We have calculated the compressive strengths for various bricks and according to the IST,
specified their most appropriate use.

LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF EXPERIMENT

The given experiment has the following limitations
1) The given set of experiments are very quantitative and specific in nature and may
not replicate the actual situation(s) that the brick will have to encounter in the
construction site.
2) Experiments done with pure water and salt water for determination of water
absorptions and efflorescence are ideal in nature. Seldom the bricks experience
such conditions and are exposed to acidic rain water and basic ground water,
which is not taken into account.
3) The compressive strength testing of the bricks, is done taking into consideration
mainly the compressive length wise loading. The actual onsite loading may vary
slightly and hence such variations must be taken into consideration.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

The specifics of the site such as the kind of possible loading, the kind of rainfall water parameters as
well as the kind of ground water conditions must be analyzed and then the bricks must be tested under
such parameters and then approved for usage in the give project.