[Stoves] Making bricks

[Kevin Chisholm]

Dear Frank

Presumably, the repairs are necessary because the existing adobe 
brickwork failed. What is the strength of the existing brick? Why did it 
fail?

If the existing bricks failed because of lack of strength, then chances 
are that other bricks will fail also. Is there any point in installing 
strong brick when future failing of the existing brick surrounding the 
repairs is likely? Will 300 psi brick solve the problem?

What is the basis for the 300 psi specification? Would the job be 
compromised if the specification was changed to 290 PSI, or perhaps even 
275 PSI?

Reducing the Specification would be the quickest solution, if that was 
an appropriate way to go.

Best wishes,

Kevin

frank wrote:
> Stovers, and brick makers
> I am trying to make bricks from local clay for repair of an adobe house. 
> Must have a compression of 300 lb/sq inch. I am so close but the average 
> of readings from five samples is 295.
> We do not want to add lime or tar to it unless we need to. (why do they 
> add tar?)  I am thinking of straw or perhaps feathers. Also wondering 
> about adding sand(?). Any suggestions that would reduce my research time 
> would be appreciated.
> 
> The original bricks have a lower compression but the specs call for 
> above 300.
> 
> Also; I have been drying them in an oven set at 40 deg. C for four days. 
> They are in cardboard tubes 4.5" long and 1.6" dia. This seems to work 
> but I was wondering if they will get stronger as time goes on(?) and if 
> there is a better temperature to dry them at in lab conditions?  They 
> want to start to make them for sun drying soon to repair the building in 
> the fall before the rains come. So the lab tests must be quick (whats 
> new!). 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks
> Frank
> 
> 
>