Brick and block testing from Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory
The various tests conducted by Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory during brick and block testing includes compressive strength test, salt attack resistance test, moisture expansion test, dimensions test, potential to effloresce, initial rate of absorption test and water absorption test.
Compressive strength test is conducted to find the ability of a masonry unit to resist the crushing loads and carry the load placed upon it. Salt attack resistance test helps in deducting the resistant power of a brick to the effects of salt crystallization, based on the strength of the paver material, porosity of power and concentration and type of salt.
Small segments of masonry units are used for lab test, which are made to go through a series of 40 cycles of alternatively soaked salt solution. The masonry unit is then dried with the help of an oven. If the specimens survive after going through 40 cycles with a specified loss in mass, the unit is considered to be fit.
All fired clay bricks expand slowly by taking up moisture after their manufacture. Moisture expansion test is conducted by Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory to predict the long-term expansion of bricks, taking into account the accurate measurement of brick before entering the steam treatment. This test can estimate the length of expansion of a brick in 15 years.
25-Feb-2008