Study of Compressive Strength of Brick Prisms with Three Different Types of Bricks

The objective of this research is to study the compressive strength of brick prisms with three different types of bricks. The experiments involved to quantify the strength of brick prisms with two different mixes. Experimental investigations have been conducted on brick prism specimens to study its performance with the presence of reinforcement. Brick prisms were constructed using red bricks, fly ash bricks and concrete bricks with and without embedding steel reinforcement. Cement mortar with 1:5 and 1: 6 mixes have been used to build prisms. Concrete bricks of same sizes were casted in the lab and used after proper curing. Brick prisms were subjected to compressive force by Universal Testing Machine. Compressive strength of different types of brick prisms were compared and plotted. Compressive strengths were improved by embedding steel reinforcement in the brick works. Reinforced Concrete brick prisms contributed higher strength. Reinforced concrete bricks and fly ash bricks can be used in brick works were buildings situated in earthquake prone area. Two layers or three layers of steel reinforcement can be provided in brick works. Reinforced fly ash brick prism contributed higher compressive strength than the red brick. By embedding reinforcements in the brick works, load carrying capacity and stability of brick works have been improved. Due to ductile properties of steel reinforcement, steel embedding brick works led to ductile and reduce brittle cracks. Overall performance of brick works improved by embedding steel reinforcement.