The use of fly ash and basaltic pumice as additives in the production of clay fired brick in Turkey

The main objective of this study is to investigate the suitability of fly ash and basaltic pumice as additives in the production of high quality clay fired bricks. Clay bricks with/without additives were produced adding equal amounts of fly ash and basaltic pumice, separately and together, with the rates of 5, 10 and 20 wt.%. Each sample was fired at 700, 900 and 1 050 degrees C for 8 h. Bulk density, harmful magnesia and lime, shrinkage, water absorption, compressive and flexural strength, freezing and thawing tests were carried out. The test results were compared with the standard values and they were found to be satisfactory. Finally, it was concluded that both fly ash and basaltic pumice were suitable admixtures and could be used efficiently in fired brick production.