Strength Behavior of Mud Brick in Building Construction

Abstract

The use of earth construction is well established in energy efficient housing. Mud bricks consist of clay, water, and binding material such as rice husks or straw. The advantages of mud brick include its low-cost and great thermal behavior. Although mud brick is considered one of the oldest construction materials, engineers and builders do not have enough information about its mechanical properties. Also there is no accurate design code to follow before construction. This study is devoted to enhance the low compressive strength of mud brick without sacrificing its low thermal conductivity properties. The experimental program in this research includes the use of different admixtures to increase the compressive strength of the basic mud mix. The experimental results show that the increase of cement ratio, as ingredient to a certain limits, can lead to an optimum compressive strength of the brick.