Characterization of Fired Clay Bricks for an Economic Contribution of the Exploitation of Thicky Clay Deposit

Clay materials from Thicky in Thiès district (Senegal) are very abundant and could be used for the production of clay brick for the construction industry in Senegal and the surrounding countries. The geophysical, geotechnical, and thermal studies carried out did lead to a better comprehension of the potential of the area for clay production. It also allowed determining the physical and chemical characteristics of the clays for their use in order to make fired clay bricks. Different types of fired clay brick were produced with Thicky’s clays. The study of the physical, mechanical and thermal parameters of these raw materials and bricks has given very satisfactory results compared to the standards in use. It is noted a good ceramic behavior, and there is no deterioration observed after firing at 900°C until low residual moisture of about 3% (on a dry basis), a smooth texture with a beautiful appearance, a low loss on ignition, a low shrinkage value of less than 1% (dry), moderate water absorption and also good compressive strength. The study of thermal properties on a brick wall by the asymmetric lime plane method gives satisfactory effusivity and thermal conductivity values which are respectively equal to 746.48 J·K-1·m-2·s-1/2 and 0.42 W·m-1·k-1 with a thermal resistance of 0.0028 m2·K·W-1.