Effect of intensity of compaction on crushing strength of indigenous baked clay

Compressive strength of baked clay can be increased by compaction at the time of casting. This paper presents the relationship between cube crushing strength of baked clay and the intensity of compression during casting. Clay beams were cast from a moist mixture of indigenous clay and pit sand. At the time of casting, the beams were fully enveloped in poly propylene fabric sheet and compacted at various intensities of compression. After drying, the beams were baked and cubes were cut out to determine compressive strength. The results show that with increasing rate of compaction, density of the beams also increased, which resulted in corresponding increase in the cube crushing strength of baked clay. The compressive strength of baked clay cubes obtained is 50% more than design cube crushing strength of plain cement concrete. This is an important finding for future research to evaluate suitability of pre-perforated post reinforced baked clay beams for low cost houses compared to those constructed of reinforced cement concrete.