Performance characteristics of lateritic soil bricks fired at low temperatures: a case study of Cameroon

This work represents an effort to study the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of some Cameroonian lateritic soil bricks by stabilization through heat (at very low temperatures), with a view to finding their suitability for the construction of walls of simple houses. Contrary to previous studies which were focused on stabilization with additives (lime, cement, bentonite, etc.), no admixture is used here. The effect of homogenization obtained by crushing raw materials to reduce particle size, the cohesion of clay present in raw materials and the cementitious binder resulting from the transformation of some mineral phases at low temperatures have been exploited. The Laboratory test results are promising. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF A REACTION SINTERED MATERIAL

Un procédé de densification par frittage réactif avec ajout de TiO2, mis au point précédemment est utilisé pour produire des composants denses en mullite-zircone. Ces plots de renforcement sont implantés dans des blocs en béton réfractaire pour sole de four à longeron mobile en laminoir d'aciérie. Les propriétés physiques et mécaniques du matériau céramique sont présentées et discutées.A reaction sintering process developed earlier with TiO2 as sintering aid is applied to produce dense mullite zirconia components. These are embedded as reinforcement heads in refractory concrete blocks for walking beam furnace lining in steel rolling-mill. Physical and mechanical properties of the ceramic material are presented and discussed

[Influence of manufacturing process on properties of lateritic bricks]

In a recent paper, the authors have indicated the possibility of producing, according to an industrial type manufacturing process, bricks at relatively low temperatures, with lateritic raw materials. These bricks had satisfactory physical and mechanical performances, and were intended for the construction of average importance buildings in tropical areas. The present paper accounts for complementary results obtained according to a craft manufacturing process. The comparison of the results obtained shows that the preparation and shaping mode of the raw products plays a significant role on the properties of fired products. One concludes the paper by the recommendation for an intermediate way of production, that reduces cost and will favour its dissemination in tropical regions