Zanco, Jomnal of P11re and Applied Sciences I Salahnddin lJniversny llawler. Vol.

\9, '\lo 2

Straw Stabilized Local Clay Bricks

Yousif I. Mauloud

College of Engineering, University of Salahaddin I I lawlcr -Kurdistan Region

Received: 21 ! I / 2007

Accepted. 19 / 6 / 2007

Abstract

Tim, study was conducted to evaluate the cngmccnng behavior of clay bricks stabilized wllh

straw, and c.hcck the vrsrbtluy of using straw as soil stabilizer for bnck fabucanon. Soil was

rrnxed with suaw uddrnve (0.5, 1 0, 1 . 5 , 2.0, 2.5. 3.0, and 3 ..'i) % by weight. Wet soil bncks

wctc fabncured by a skilkrl wml..er. The sod bricks WCh' dried m a n open au to constam weight

then burned m a kiln. Humcd bncks tested and compared with the local clay brick products m

Arbi! City. J est results rudtcated that straw stabilizer could improve soil bncks; ruaxunum dry

and wet compressive strength, mimmum hairline cracks and mmunum watet absorption were

found at 1% by weight straw content. While mcximutn modulus of rupnne was fount at 0.5%

sr-.tw content. Efflorescence salts observation decreased 111 companson with brich of the

factrny products Thrs improvement obtained by using optimum amount ofstraw content

Keywords: Straw, soil, bricks. stabilize, compressive strength, absorption,

cracks.efflorescence.

Introduction

nck manufacturing still reinforcing wire is used in concrete lo

B follows the basic steps of' give it strength in modern construction.

centuries past. However, After the adobe brick were molded into

techno logical advancement over shape, they were placed in the sun to

the years have made tbe modem dry. Adobe brick arc still used in a few

brick plant substantially more countries today (4). Methods to

efficient than the plants of improve the natural durability and

yesterday (1). Basic mud bricks arc strength of the soil-commonly referred

made by mixing soil with water, to as soil stabilization have been

placing the mixture into moulds practiced in many countries. These

and drying the bricks in the open methods arc not new since stabilizers

air. Su aw or other fibers that are such as natural oils, plant juices,

strong in tension are often added to animal dung and crushed anthills, have

the bricks to help reduce cracking been used for many centuries (5).

(2). fn genera!, the addition of hay Some clays have great plasticity and

(�trnw) to clay increases shear high shrinkage, which impedes the

strength. tensile strength, and drying and firing processes. Other

reduces volume changes upon clays arc not plastic enough, create

water contcnl variations. Such di fficultics for shaping and lead to low

improvements arc important in the mechanical strength. To improve the

consuucuon of highways and properties of clay bodies, different raw

embankments; particularly with materials and many industrial, urban

expansive soils (3). One of the and agricultural wastes are used. (6). In

earliest type of brick was adobe the nv er sites of the M esopotamian,

brick. These brick conr nmcd ".11:J\\ Ni l e. C hinese and the 1n dus V alley

for greater strength. 1 h1 .h cn·d1/ · i · . , 1 1 ... settlers used readily

•
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 Zanco, Journal of Pure mid Applied Sciences I Salahaddin University - Hawler ..... Vol. l 9, No. 2

available alluvial soil to make the material used o make structural bricks
t

first mud brick. Babylonians arc very important to the production

reinforced their earth structures process (R). The soil is brought fr om

with bamboo nnd reed (7). Koritan village 15 km south of A rbil

Muhammed and Abdul Hadi in City, which is used by Ar bil brick

there study on Soil Stabilization factories. Th e ndex

i properties for the

with Hay concluded that hay is s oil and the grain size analysis we re

durable and can be used as soil d etermined and given in Table (l).

stabilizer (3). Therefore, this study Chemical properties of tbc soil were

was conducted to find optimum obtained (9), and given i n T able (2) .

straw content, to stabilize local

clay brick products and as a Cereal straw: Cereal straw is the

stabilizer for soil blocks, which are broken stems of wheat a nd barley. It s
i

used as huilding blocks in most available abundantly during the harvest

villages in Kurdistan. The owners season in Arbil City. The lengths of

of local brick factories are using straw pieces used in this study were

straw-animal dung-soil mixture for g raded from approximately 25m m a s a

fabrication of solid clay brick m aximum length to very fi ne pieces,

product in Arbil City. For the platy shape and not cylinclrically, its

above-mentioned reasons, a ensile

t stress enough o
l prevent

research has been set up; this paper cracking during drying p rocess of wet

is results of the research, w hich soil bricks .

covers the effect of cereal straw

stabilizer on engineering properties Experimental work

of solid clay brick products in The raw soil used rn this

Ar bil C ity. investigation was brought from the soil

quarry of Arbil brick factories, it was

Experimental work dried, grindcd and passed No. JO (2

Materials and mixes mm) A STM sieve. After m ixing soil

The most i mportant fa ctor that with drinking water for three days or
f

affects t he quality of soil bricks is fermentation the paste, ( the water

the composition of the soil m x i content was 39%, which obtained from

used o manufacture soil bricks (7).

l paste had been p repared for fabrication

Clays must have p lasticity, whic'h of wet soil bricks in a brick factory,

permits them to be s haped or w hich gives a good workability for the

molded when mixed with w ater; given soil,). The cereal straw was

and they must have sufficient wet added to the paste then mixed together

a nd air-dried tensile strength to to obtain a uniform mixture of different

ma intain their shape atlcr forming straw content ( 0.5, 1 .0, 1.5 , 2 .0, 2.5 ,

a nd to p revent excessive cracking 3.0, and 3.5)% based on dry weight of

and deformation of the brick (1 ). the mix. Soil-straw mixture u sed for

f abrication of green bricks ( green brick

Soil: T he characteristic p roperties is the condition or the material before

hat
t t
de ermin e the suitability of the drying and burning proccss),(10).

soil f or soil bricks arc texture, ln addition, bricks without straw

plasticity, compressibility and c ontent were fabricated for comparison

cohesion (7) . P lasticity and the purposes. Water-struck bricks (w hen

grain-size distribution of the ra w the molds arc wetted to prevent

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 Zanco, Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences I Salahaddm University- Hawler ..... Vol 19, No. 2

sticking of the clay, the product is (3 half bricks), modulus of rupture(}

water-struck brick), (10), and soft bricks), water absorption (3 bricks)

mud process (also ca1lcd the according to ASTM C67 absorption by

moldmg process), arc used by a 24-hr submersion (upper limit is 18%

skilled worker. for fabricating from its dry weight) (13), cracking (1

work sizes for green bricks brick), and e1llorcscencc (2 bricks), the

measuring 7 x 1 I x 23 cm as like total is 12 bricks for each group.

,
, as procedures are followed at the

biick factories in Arbil City. For Compressive strength

each content of straw (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, Bricks to be used must be first tested

2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5) % by weight, to determine its strength ( 12).

12 green bricks were molded; also, According to Iraqi specification

12 green bricks of raw soil No.54811989. which specify that the

(without straw content) were minimum wet compressive strength

fabricated for companson should he not less than %85 of

purposes. More detail is given in specified dry compressive strength 17

2
Table (3). The green bricks _were N/rnrn (173.3 kg/cm'), (I I ) , Results of

dried for about 5 days at room strength tests are i II ustrated in the

(laboratory) temperature rnnging figures (1 & 2) and plate (2). Bncks

(35 - 48) °C lo constant weight. without straw content fractured during

Then the dried bricks were air-drying stage; therefore, their values

Lransported to a kiln (brick factory) in the figures (l, 2, 3, & 4) are zero.

f01 firing. An investigation of the Dry strength: Dry compressive

common firing condition in brick strength can be used as a design

factories in Iraq indicates that compressive strength for interior and

firing temperatures are usually partition walls (which arc not subjected

between 950 °C and 1050 °C (I 1). to exterior exposure), instead of wet

After the completion of the firing compressive strength. Test results are

process, the fired bricks were shown in Fig. (1 ). DLy compressive

transported to College of Eng. strength showed maximum strength

1
Civil Department Soil Lab for value 100 kg/coi2 al l % straw content.

testing and shown in plate (1). The compressive strength of soil-straw

Moreover, 12 soil bricks were brick is less than the minimum required

taken from the product of the brick compressive strength 127 kglcni2 for

factory for comparison purposes, construction and 85 kg/cni2 for

resulted in 9 groups of brick used partitions ( l l ) , but is more greater than

in the investigation. the strength of factory product (23.5

2
kg/cm due to using higher amount of
,. Results and discussions straw and animal dung stabilizer for

The quality of a building brick is fabrication of solid clay brick product).

judged on its physical and Beyond 1% of straw content, the

mechanical properties such as strength curves decline gradually,

grade, compression strength, because excess of straw beyond the

modulus of rupture, and water optimum decreases the density of the

absorption ( 12).Tests performed on brick product consequently decreases

the burned bricks include; dry the compressive strength.

compressive strength (3 half Wet strength: Bricks that used in the

bricks), wet compressive strength exterior walls must meet controlled

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Zanco, Journal of Pure and' Applied Sciences I Salahaddin University - I Iawter . Vol 19, l\'u. 2

specifications especially wet (its additives arc straw and animal

compressive strength. The results dung which, burn during firing process

of this test arc shown in Fig. (2). and forming voids), was 32.5%,. The

Maximum wet compressive upper limit of waler absorption

strength was obtained at l % straw according to Iraqi specification No. 25

content, and the maximum values I 1988; is 22% by wcighl for type A

2•
were (93) kg/cm lt is Jess than the (use in areas subjected to frost action,

mtmmum required compressive especially al or below ground level),

strength for construction ( 127 26% by weight for type B (use in areas

kg/cm2), (I I). While, the strength with no frost action and in dry

is more greater than the wet locations), and 28% by weight for type

compressive strength of the brick C (can be used in interior construction,

2
factory product (29 kg/cm is where no Freezing occurs) (13).

greater than dry strength of factory

product, this is because of high Shrinkage cracks

water absorption by the bricks, Clays shrink <luring the drying and

build up pore water pressure in burning processes, since the air

voids due to relatively fast loading shrinkage and fire shrinkage vary for

rate that in turn, increases the the different clays (13). To obtain

resistance compressive strength). products of uniform size,

In general, wet compressive manufacturers attempt to control

strength of soil-straw bricks factors contributing to shrinkage (I).

showed lower strength than that The heat and humidity must be

unsoaked bricks did. This is due to regulated carefully to prevent sudden

the water absorbed by the sample, changes in the temperature, which will

which weakens the bonding or cause excessive cracking anti

cementing forces between bonded deformation of the brick (14).

particles to a certain extend Therefore, soil bricks dried gradually

depending on the type of soil, type in a room temperature (35 to 48) °C, to

and amount of' the stabilizing a constant weight. After firing the

material. bricks in the factory, widths and

lengths of crack of the burned clay

Water absorption bricks were recorded and shown in

Adsorption is affected by Table (4). Unstabilizcd soil bricks

properties of the clay, methods of disintegrated during air-drying process

manufacture and degree of firing Hairline cracks showed seldom surface

(7). Records of water absorption of cracking al 1% struw content. Then

investigated bricks, by Zq-hr with increasing straw content, width

submersion, shown in fig (3). and depth of !he cracks gradually

Results indicated that the water increased, due to relatively decreasing

absorbed were minimum at I% efficiency of compaction (because of

straw content which was 21 %. accumulate of straw for higher straw

Then water absorption increases content decreases efficiency of manual

with increasing straw content, due compaction) of wet mixture during

to increasing void ratio molding process (water struck

consequently decreases density of method). While thinner 0.4111111 but

the admixture. While water denser number of cracks was fount in

absorption of the factory product the factory product. This is due to that

114
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znnco. )rnnn:il of Pure and Apphe<l Scicnccs z Salnhedd.n Umversity-. Hawlcr ..... Vol. 19, No. 2

the shrinkage and subsequent brick samples indicated presence of

cracking depend on soil type, light amount of efflorescence in the

water content, type and amount of case of 0.5% straw content. Then with

additive, and drying condition of increase of straw content the amount of

wet soil hricks ( 15). efflorescence increases this is may be

due to increasing void ratio of the brick

Modulus of rupture samples with increasing straw content,

Test results o1 modulus of which causes easily movement of

rupture of bricks waler and dissolved salts to the outside

srabthzcd with different amount of of the bricks. I lowevcr, the

straw content are shown in Fig. efflorescence in the factory product

(4). Modulus of rupture gave was very dense.

maximum value, which was 12.2

kg/en/ at 0.5% straw content. The

Conclusions
modulus of wpture of sorl-straw
Test results and discussions lead lo
bnck is more greater than the
the following conclusions. 'I'he,e
modulus of rupture of the factory
conclusions arc limited to the materials
product (2.52 kg/cm\ Beyond
and tests conditions used m this

0.5% of straw content, the modulus

investigation
of rupture curve decline gradually,
J. Stabilizer likes straw increases
because excess of straw content
compressive both wet and dry

beyond the optimum decreases the

compressive strengths, which reached

density of the brick product

maximum value at 1% straw content.

consequently decreases the value

2. Water absorption increases with

of the modulus of rupture.

increasing straw content (which leaves

voids after huming), as a result

Efflorescence
increases movement of dissolved salts

Efflorescence, the normally

and appearance of dissolved

harmless deposit of white crystals

efflorescence salts in bricks.

of salts on face of brick masonry

3. Straw additive improved modulus of
can be prevented. An
rupture and hairline cracks at (0.5 &
understanding of the nature and
1.0)% by weight straw content

mechanisms of efflorescence, as
respectively.
well as the possible source of
4. Efflorescence salts can be decreased

soluble salts and moisture, rs

by improving waler absorption,
essential to the prevention of
because considerably more moisture
efflorescence ( 1 6 ). Due lo exist of
which may bring more salts to the

bits of li m estone and other soluble

surface.

salts (sulfates and carbonate

5. The optimum straw content for Arbil

compounds of sodium, potassium,

brick products is I% by weight.

magnesium and a lu min um ) i n rh c

soil quarry of Arbil bricks, a dense References

efflorescence exists in the factory 1. Technical Notes on Brick Construction

"Manufacturing, Ctassrricauon. and

products. Records of Efflorescence
Selection of Brick, Manufacturing", I !490
of investigated bricks, for different
Commerce Paik Drive, Reston, Vnginia
straw content were recorded in
20191. Part! Revised Janumy 2004.

Table (3) and a sample shown in 2. Bianco A ""I he Mud Urick Adventure" Earth

plate (3). Eftlorescence test of the Garden Books, Trentham, Victoria. 2002

1 1 5
 Zanco, Journal of Pmc and Applied Sciences I Salahaddin Umvcrsily- Hawlcr ..... Vol. 19, No 2

.l. Dr. Mohammad, T. Al-Layla, and 9. Yousif I. .\1ouluid "Sun - Baked Stahilized

Abdul Hndi, M. AI-Saadi, Soll Soil Blocks For Building" \1.Sc thesis

Stabilization with Hay. Building submitted to college of Enginocring,

Research, Vol.3, No. 2, Nov. J 984. University ofSalahaddin. Apn! 2000.

4. M. Ci. Lunt "Overseas Building Notes. IO. Or. Adil I. Al-Hadilhy, Kharyia A. Al·

Stabrhzcd Soil Rlocks fur RuildmgM Ramadany " ...,.,yi1 ..:.i,, �1 0»J,,II O.Ct.1-

No. 184 February 1980 �1" Bmlding Research, Vol 6, No. 1.

5. Stcfanov S. "Additives in brickmakmg" .\!lay. 1987.

Tile Bnck Int. 19, No.3, 2003, p.162, 11. Mmistry of homang and umstruction,

164-166. "National Center for Construction

6. She her Group, Development Laboratories", Ccusrrucuon Work's

Alternative "Duilding with Compressed Specification, Second Edition. 2001.

Earth Blocks" with financial support 12. Masonry lnstnutc of Washmgton" Steps In

from Building Materials and The .\llanufacturing Process." Clay Masonry

Technology Promotion Council, New Products Brick, The Northwest Masonry

Delhi. Guide. Page 1 - 5, 2000.

7. S. R. Teixeira, S. A. de Souza, C. A. I. 13. Masonry Institute of Washington

Moura, "Mineralogical "Properties of Brick'. Clay Masonry

Characterization of Clays Used in The Products Brick, The Nonhwcsl Masonry

Strucmral Ceramic Industry in West of <Juidc, Page I 5, 2000.

S. Paulo State, Brazil'' Ccrurmca vol.47 14. Masonry Institute of Washington "

no.304 Sao Paulo Octf.\lov. /Dec. Development of Brick" Clay Masonry

2001. Prorlucts Bnck, The Northwest Masonry

8. Kenneth N. Dcruchcr, George P. Guide, Page I 5, 2000 . .

Korfiatis, and A. Samcr ELcldin, 15. ACI Comnnttce 230 "Stute-of-Att Report

"Materials for Civil lngineering & on Soil Cement", 1995.

Highway Engineers", Chap 13, 16. Techmcal Notes on Bock Construction

Miscellaneous Materials, Fourth "Efflorescence, causes and mechanisms",

Edition, Uy Prcntice-1 lall, USA, 1998. Part2 June 1985 (Reissued Jan. 2000)

Table (I Physical Properties of the Soil

Specific Gravity 2.69

Accordmg to ASTM 0423-66 (

Allcrberg Limits
Reapproved 1972)
Liquid Limit 40%
According to ASTM 0424-59 (
Plastic Limit 22%
Reapproved 1971)

Plasticity lndex 18%

According to ASTM 0424-59 (

Reaucroved 1971}

Unified Soil
CL
Classification Svsrem

AASHTO
i\-6
Classification Svstern

Silty
Soil Description Grayey light brown
clay

Grain size distribution

9
%Sand (2 to 0.075)mm
67
%Silt (0.075 to 0.002)mm
24
%Clav $0.002mm

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 Zanco, Jouma! of Puie und Applied Sciences I Salahaddin University Hawler ..... Vol. !9, No. 2

Table (2) Chemical Properties of the Soil (9)

Chemical Properties

Oxides Contents (%)

Si02 53.25

A}z03 5.7

CaC03 34

so, 2.53

Fe203 1.44

Cl. 0.02

T.S.S 3.21

Organic Matter Content 0.67

pH at Saturation 7.89

Table (3) Investigated variable and straw content

Variables % Additive content by weight

T. Raw soil (without additive content) 0

0.5

1.0

1.5

IL Straw Content 2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

JJI. Factory Product (straw+ animal

l .5 sack/1000 bricks
dung)

117
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Zanco, Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences I Salahaddiu Univcrsily- Hawler ... Vol. l 9, No 2

Tahlc (4) Efflorescence density and crack description of the hwcstigatcd

hricks

Additive Efflorescence Density Cracks description

� Width Length description

0.
Dens Very
-
», % Nil Light Medium
f- e dense (mm) (mm)

some surface
0.5 • 0.5
cracking

seldom surface
I • 0.5
cracking

some surface
1.5 • 0.5
cracking
-
c
0
medium surface
-
c
0
2 • 0.9
crackiuu
u

� high surface
ea
2.5 • 0.4-0.9 cracking 30mm
-"
Vl
length

dense surface

3 • 0.3-0.9 cracking 28mm

length

very dense surface

3.5 • I
cracking

Factory very dense surface

• 0.4
Product cracking

Non
disintegrated
stabilized

110

100
•
90
'
' -0- Fa<:torr l'roducl
I RO

' 70 - - - - - - · -- ' --
• •
.,
r,o -- �-- --
• •

'
• 50 -....,,._."'Is- - ; - - - ·- - -
. .
. .
' 40 ,--- -- , - - ;- - - r - ""; - - '

.' --- --·

' 30 ---: :-- - r - -

- 20 - -:-
c
' 10 . -- -: - -

0 2 3 4

% Straw content hy weight

Fig. (1) Ory compressive strength for different straw content and

Local Product of Arbil brick factories

118
Zanco, Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences I Salahaddin University- Hawler ..... Vol. 1 9 . No. 2

-0-Stn" uddithc

'
.
-O-F11ctor,- Prodect
'

'
'
'
t 6-0 - - : - - - - .- - -
!

so · - - - . _

"' 29.0
JO ' - - - -·- - -- ,;.
,-_---"'
-

.
"
•
' : : ' i

- "'
0 2 J
'
% Straw ccntenc by \\"eight

.Fig.(2) Wet compressive strength for different straw content and local

product of Arbil brick. factories

-0- hcto� rrodu,cl

as - - � -
0
0
32.3
�---�
·
g

5 }0

D
'
"

"
a
� ?5

;
/ 211

% Straw content by l\cighl

Fig.(3) Water absorption for different straw content and local

product of Arbil brick factories

IS.Or-�----�-�--�-�-�--,

�
,
,
15

l..JO O

�
0

,
•
,
-e
e so - - � - - - ---:
:;, .

: 2 521

' "
o Straw content by weight
o/

Fig (4) Modulus of rupture for different straw content and local

product of Arbil brick. factories.

1 1 9
7..anco, Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences J Salahaddin University- Hawlcr ..... Vol. 19, No. 2

Plate (J) Brick samples arranged in laboratory for testing.

Plate (2) Compression machine during testing of a brick sample

Plate (3) Efflorescence salts or brick samples taken from factory product

and the investigated bricks were arranged for efflorescence {est.

120
 Zanco, Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences I Salahaddin University- Hawler ..... Vol. 19, No. 2

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• 121