Sodium Chloride Influence on Cement Stabilised Bricks Compressive Strength

Abstract

This research reports the suitability of lateritic soil contaminated by sodium chloride for brick production. Five different percentages (0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%) by weight of sodium chloride were mixed with 10% cement stabilised lateritic soil. The mixtures were used to produce bricks of size 230mm by 110mm by 90mm, and air cured for 56 days. During the curing period, the bricks compressive strength was monitored with the aid of a universal testing machine. Results showed that the compressive strength of the cement stabilised bricks decreased with increasing levels of sodium chloride salt content, and increased as the curing age also increased. In addition, 28-day compressive strength values of stabilised bricks contaminated with up to 3% sodium chloride were higher than 2.5 N/mm2 minimum strength, stipulated by Nigerian Standard Organisation. Hence stabilised bricks with up to 3% sodium chloride can be used in building construction.

Keywords: Bricks, Sodium chloride, compressive strength, lateritic soil, cement