Comparison of mechanical and durability properties of concrete and fired facing bricks

Abstract

This experimental study compares the durability and mechanical properties of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (Leca) concrete facing blocks with clay, shale and refractory facing bricks. To this end, clay, shale and refractory facing bricks with the dimensions 25 × 70 × 300 mm in different colours and densities were provided from different factories. Then, 11 concrete brick mixes were made with dimensions, colour and density similar to the clay, shale, and refractory bricks that had been provided. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption and freeze–thaw durability tests were applied to all of the bricks. Results showed that the concrete facing bricks had better durability and mechanical properties than the clay, shale and refractory ones, given the same densities. For a certain density, the compressive strength of clay, shale and refractory facing bricks is 40–66% of the concrete ones. Moreover, the Leca concrete facing brick with a density ≥1700 kg/m3 can meet the standard compressive strength and water absorption criteria.