SUITABILITY OF UGIEGHUDU CLAY FOR HOLLOW BRICKS

The increasing demand for sustainable and durable building materials has led to the exploration of local clay deposits for brick production. This study focuses on assessing the suitability of Ughiehudu clay for the production of hollow bricks. Hollow bricks, which are valued for their thermal insulation and lightweight properties, require specific material characteristics to meet industry standards for strength, durability, and workability. The aim of this research is to evaluate the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of Ughiehudu clay in order to determine its feasibility as a raw material for hollow brick production. The study investigates properties such as compressive strength, plasticity, shrinkage, water absorption, and permeability, comparing them against standard brick-making requirements.The methodology involved collecting clay samples from Ughiehudu, followed by laboratory testing to analyze their mineral composition, mechanical properties, and water absorption capacity. Tests such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Atterberg limits, and permeability measurements were conducted to assess the clay’s performance in brick-making.The results showed that Ughiehudu clay exhibited compressive strength values ranging from 54.1 MPa to 197.6 MPa, which exceed the standard requirements for hollow bricks. The plasticity and shrinkage properties were generally favorable, falling within acceptable limits for brick production. In conclusion, Ughiehudu clay has been found suitable for hollow brick production with minor adjustments in the firing process to reduce water absorption. Its high compressive strength, adequate plasticity, and dimensional stability make it a viable material for sustainable hollow brick manufacturing.