Red gypsum (RG) is a good alternative of cement and sand in brick manufacturing. In this study, RG was used to formulate brick. The brick was characterized for mechanical, thermal, chemical and structural properties. In addition, a comparison was drawn between the RG-based and traditional cement and clay-based brick in terms of their compressive strength and fire resistance properties. Results showed that the increasing percentage of RG in cement-based brick resulted in decreased compressive strength. The compressive strength showed a proportional relationship with the increasing amount of w/c ratio. TGA analysis confirmed that the absence of a secondary CSH formation. The encapsulation of iron oxide delayed the pozzolonic reaction of the gypsum. Both RG and cement were considered as the absorbent of water droplets. Results also showed that higher percentage of water required for hydration and adsorption process.
Volume 12 | Issue 6
Pages: 1824-1833
DOI: 10.5373/JARDCS/V12I2/S20201386