Comparative Study of Resistance to Compression, Absorption and Dimensioning of Rafón Brick Produced in Quimistán, Chamelecón and Florida, Honduras

Abstract

The present study makes a comparison of the main physical and mechanical properties of clay brick produced in the northwestern region of Honduras, specifically in Chamelecón, Cortes; Quimistan, Santa Bárbara; and Florida, Copan. The properties analyzed include dimensions, percentage of absorption and compressive strength of the clay brick. The tests required for the analysis are regulated by standard test methods ASTM C 67. For the compression test, the specimens were submitted to vertical compressive loads with a controlled loading speed; to obtain the percentage of absorption, an immersion test was performed at 5 and 24 hours and the initial rate of absorption was measured; for the clay brick dimensions, their variations were measured and compared to the standard values. The results obtained are compared with the limit values established in ASTM standard C 62. Additionally, a brief characterization of the clay extracted from each brick factory is presented, obtaining as a result the relationship between the type of clay and the brick’s properties.