Experiments on Olive Husk-Addition to Masonry Clay Bricks on their Mechanical Properties, and their Application and Manufacturability as an Insulating Material

Abstract

Clay has been used in Jordan as a building material for decades. This paper investigates the effects of adding olive husk –another locally available solid waste material- on the mechanical properties of the clay composite, and its modification of the ductility and thermal resistance for use as an insulating material. Laminated Metal Tooling (LMT) process will be used to manufacture the dies required to cast and dry the test specimens. A discussion will also be included regarding the eligibility of the material for the use as a low-cost, high efficiency insulating material depending on the manufacturability of husk-enhanced clay sheets.