Developement of brick production process of brick factory (Part three)
One of the more interesting discoveries made by the researchers concernsthe use of rice husks in brick
manufacturing, which produce a number of advantages, including:
Strengthening the clay, which can be too malleable, and preventing shrinkagecracks from developing during
drying;
Lightening the bricks and improving acoustic properties;
Improving firing in the middle of the brick, allowing more efficient use of energy and helping to save
firewood.
In comparison with the traditional method, tests of the igloo kiln revealedthat brick losses were reduced
from 40-50% to less than 2%, while the kiln-firedbricks are at least twice as resistant under compression.
For buildingcontractors, this means that construction unit costs are reduced by nearlyhalf.
Impact
Establishment of the Centre for Small-scale Fired Clay Brick Technologies- Established by Professor
Katabarwa at the University of Sherbrooke,the Centre promotes, develops, and transfers fired clay brick
technologyto developing countries. Activities include training, technological developmentand research,
and encouraging the building of pilot installations and localproduction facilities. There is significant
interest internationally: inquiriesfrom organizations in38 countries have been made concerning the
transferof this technology. The Centre has set up various pilot installations inMadagascar and Rwanda.
Unfortunately, development of the technology inRwanda was halted owing to the country’s security
situation over the pastfew years.
Prerequisites
Deposits of acceptable-quality clay; rice husks or other agricultural by-products.The construction of
the kiln and related infrastructure requires simpletools and the services of approximately five
bricklayers, homemade commonand insulation bricks, a steel collar, and Portland cement.
Potential users
Small and medium-size producers of fired clay bricks in developing countries.
Cost and availability
Construction of the oven and fittings costs CAD $3,000; other costs (molding,handling, fuel, and heater)
amount to 17 cents per brick, compared to 25cents per brick using the traditional method.