Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology

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Automated Diagnosis and Classification of Coffee Plant Diseases Using Deep Learning
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-05-08) Isaac Arou Mayol; Wilson Nyumbe; Momodou Jallow; Brian Mung’oka Mutua
This project addresses the critical challenge faced by coffee farmers in the early detection and management of diseases affecting coffee plants. Late identification often leads to significant crop loss, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity among farmers. The project: the Automated Diagnosis and Classification of Coffee Plant Diseases Using Deep Learning, provided an innovative solution. This solution utilizes a mobile application equipped with a trained deep learning model to enable farmers to detect diseases in their coffee crops early on. Through the use of image recognition technology, the application, powered by a deep learning model of 95.83% accuracy score, is able to accurately identify and classify diseases, empowering farmers to take timely and appropriate measures to prevent the spread of diseases and minimize crop loss. The project helps mitigate economic loss, promote responsible pesticide use, and improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers. By leveraging technology to address a pressing agricultural issue, this project contributes to sustainable farming practices and food security in coffee-producing regions.
A Comparative Study Between the Conventional Method and the Use of Powdered Activated Carbon in Iron Reduction from Groundwater
(2024) Andrew Mbabaali
This report was specifically looking at the comparison between the conventional treatment method (aeration followed by settling and filtration) and the use of Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) in an adsorbent filter in total iron reduction from groundwater sources. The PAC was prepared from sawdust. The water sample was collected from iron contaminated ground water source (borehole with hand pump). Both treatment methods indicated above (conventional and adsorption) were applied to check the total iron reduction from the ground water source and the results were compared in order to determine which method could be more effective in total iron reduction. Total iron levels were tested both before and after the treatment and the results showed that the conventional method was able to reduce the total iron concentration by 95.22% (from 41.44mg/L to 1.98mg/L) while on the other hand, PAC layer thicknesses of 2.5cm, 5cm, and 7.5cm were able to reduce the total iron concentration by 99.08%, 99.20%, and 99.40% respectively between 41.44mg/L and 0.38mg/L, 41.44mg/L and 0.33mg/L and 41.44mg/L and 0.25mg/L respectively . However, the reduced iron levels to (1.98mg/L and 0.33mg/L for conventional and PAC respectively) were still above the permissible limits compared to the Uganda National Standards for treated potable water which is 0.3mg/L. But since 0.33mg/L total iron is also within the permissible limit of the Uganda National Standards for untreated potable water (1mg/L), it was considered to be safe at household level.
Investigating the Use of Crushed Granite Stone and Incinerated Waste Ash in the Stabilization of Expansive Soils
(2024-03-16) Andrew Tusubira
Crushed granite stone is produced in large amounts during the cutting and processing of granite rocks at manufacturing factories. Thus, an attempt has been made here to define the role of crushed granite in enhancing the geotechnical behaviour of expansive soil in order to make it suitable for construction. In addition, this study aims to assess the use of granite stone and incinerated waste ash to stabilize expansive soils for subgrade. On natural and stabilized expansive soils using a constant portion of crushed granite as 30% with an increment of incinerated waste ash portion with a varying range from 2% to 8%, extensive geotechnical tests such as Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR), and swelling percentage have been carried out. The outcomes demonstrated that crushed granite stone is a useful tool for controlling swelling behaviour and enhancing soil plasticity. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that CBR rises when incinerated waste ash content increases and that this increase peaks at 6% with a maintained 30% of crushed granite stone before declining. Therefore, this sum might be considered the ideal value of incinerated waste ash and crushed granite stone respectively.
Investigating the use of River Sand in Stabilising Expansive Soils Case Study: Moroto-Nadunget Pavement Section
(2024-04-08) Ambrose Mwine
The research carried out was aimed at improving the properties of expansive soils while using river sand for use in the subgrade soil layer. The research was guided by three specific objectives which included determining the engineering properties of the neat soils, determining the engineering properties of river sand and lastly determining the engineering properties of the river sand stabilized mix. The case study of the research was Moroto-Nadunget road section located in Moroto District and the river sand was bought along the banks of river Kangole from the locals. Furthermore, the study discussed about the sampling and preparation of the materials used. Different laboratory tests were carried out at Sterling labaratory while following the specific objectives stated in reference with the required standards of British Standards, General Specification MOW and others. Lastly different tests of CBR, MDD, PI were carried out on the stabilized river sand mix and at optimum river sand content of 20%, the mix had an MDD value of 1.889gm/cm3, CBR value of 33.8%, PI value of 16.1% which all lied in the required range for a subgrade soil layer. Hence making river sand a good mechanical stabilizer for expansive soils. For this research, some conclusions were drawn and as well recommendations for further research were given.
Investigating the Suitability of Using Pumice Powder as a Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete to Inhibit Alkali-Silica Reactions
(2024-04-08) Rodney Ssebuliba
The research was carried out to mainly investigate the suitability of using pumice powder as s a partial replacement of cement in concrete to inhibit alkali silica reactions, that greatly affect the durability of concrete. It was achieved through firstly exploring the properties of pumice powder following a methodology of firstly carrying out both chemical and physical tests on the pumice powder and the cement. Properties of fresh concrete were then determined through carrying out the slump test for concrete, for the different mixes with the varying percentages of pumice powder partial replacement. Tests on hardened concrete were also later carried out, looking at the average percentage length changes in the concrete bars through the accelerated mortar bar test, in order to test for alkali silica reactions. Others tests including compressive strength and water absorption were also done, to determine the effect of partially replacing cement with pumice powder on these vital properties of concrete. From all the tests carried out, results were obtained which informed the conclusions and recommendations as clearly shown in the subsequent chapters of this report.
Investigating the Use of Polypropylene in Hot Mix Asphalt on the Mix Design of Flexible Pavements
(2024-04-08) Marvin Deo Wasswa
A Flexible pavements is a road constructed with its wearing course made up of Aggregates, Fillers and Bitumen as their binder. This research was aimed at investigating the use of Polypropylene in Hot Mix Asphalt on the mix design of flexible pavements. The main methods employed were Mechanical tests on the Density of Polypropylene, Penetration Test on Bitumen, Ten percent Fines Value for the Aggregates, Marshal Mix Design, Marshall Test, Indirect Tensile Strength and Volumetric analysis of the Asphalt Concrete. Results showed that at an Optimal Bitumen Content of 4.9%, the addition of 1.5% Polypropylene in AC14 Mix design led to enhancements in; stability by 0.146%, Flow by 0.133%, Indirect Tensile Strength by 0.088% and Air Voids by 0.045%. In conclusion Polypropylene enhances the Strength and Volumetric properties of Asphalt Concrete behaving like an antistripping agent therefore it is scientifically and practically applicable to be used in the Mix Design of Hot Mix Asphalt to minimize the occurrence of premature failure of the wearing course in Flexible pavements. It is recommended for a Cost Benefit analysis to be carried out to show the economic advantage of the Polypropylene Asphalt Concrete Mix Design over the conventional Asphalt.
Investigating the Use of Lime Kiln Dust as a Filler in Asphalt Concrete for Durable Flexible Pavements
(2024-04-08) Mohammed Mbarak
Flexible pavements, primarily used in Uganda, are roadways composed of a blend of bitumen, mineral filler, and aggregates. The main aim of this study was to investigate the use of lime kiln dust as a mineral filler in asphalt concrete for durable flexible pavements, in proportions by mass of the active filler. The main methods used were the Marshall test, determination of engineering properties of the mineral filler, bitumen, and aggregates, as well as Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) testing on the asphalt mixtures. During the study, various factors were evaluated, encompassing Marshall stability, flow characteristics, unit weight, air voids (Va), voids filled with asphalt (VFA), and voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA). The results showed that the use of lime kiln dust led to a reduction in air voids from 5.7% to 4.9%, an increase in Marshall stability from 14.8 to 17.1, increased Indirect Tensile Strength Wet Strength from 81% to 90%. This implied that the incorporation of 4% lime kiln dust filler improved the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures by enhancing the stability and stiffness of the mix. However, further studies should consider a batch total mass of the mix of 18,000g, with proportions of 882g of bitumen, 856g of 14/20, 1198g of 10/14, 2568g of 6/10, 11,811g of 0/6 aggregates, and 685g of LKD filler in the mix design. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the storage of filler material should be investigated to assess fatigue response, as it affects the filler composition and, in turn, the strength performance properties of asphalt.
Stabilisation of Laterite Soils With Cement and Metakaolin
(2024-04-08) Joel Agaba
The purpose of this research was to stabilize laterite soils using cement and metakaolin. The need for this research is driven from the problems experienced during cement stabilization particularly autogenous shrinkage that is associated with cement hydration. Metakaolin which is pozzolanic in nature has in previous research demonstrated the capacity to minimize this shrinkage by increasing the voids formed during hydration of cement. Metakaolin has also been found to improve the strength properties of concrete. Therefore, this research aimed at increasing the strength of laterite soil stabilized with cement and metakaolin. To achieve this, cement and metakaolin were mixed together with cement kept at a constant 3%, which is the optimum for this purpose according previous research and metakaolin increased from 0% to 8% in intervals of 2% in order to determine the suitable mix design for stabilization of the laterite soils. A design mix of 3% cement and 4% metakaolin was selected as the optimum since this soil gave the highest values for the strength properties of the laterite soil after stabilization that is 57% for CBR and 1.41MPa for UCS. The shrinkage characteristics of the soil that is PI, CBR swell and linear shrinkage were all found to be within the allowable range according to the MoWT general specifications for road and bridge works 2005.
Investigating the Use of Lime Kiln Dust as a Filler in Asphalt Concrete for Durable Flexible Pavements
(2024-04-08) Steven Kisitu
Primarily utilized in Uganda, flexible pavements are made of bitumen, aggregates, and mineral filler. Investigating the use of lime kiln dust as a mineral filler in asphalt concrete for long-lasting flexible pavements in proportions by mass of the active filler of 4% was the primary goal of this study. The Marshall test, determining the engineering parameters of bitumen, aggregates, and mineral filler, as well as measuring the asphalt mixtures' indirect tensile strength (ITS), were the primary techniques employed. For each mix, a number of factors need to be ascertained, including Marshall stability, flow, unit weight, air voids (Va), voids filled with asphalt (VFA), and voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA). Air voids decreased from 5.7% to 4.9%, Marshall stability increased from 14.8 to 17.1%, and indirect tensile strength wet strength increased from 81% to 90% as a result of using lime kiln dust. Findings suggested that adding 4% of lime kiln dust filler increased the stability and stiffness of asphalt mixtures, enhancing their resistance to rutting; however, experiments utilising different percentages of lime kiln dust should be experimented. Accordingly, this study demonstrates that 4% lime kiln dust can be added to asphalt concrete as a mineral filler to decrease air voids, increase mix stability, and eventually strengthen the asphalt mixture's rigidity and durability.
Investigating the Use of Density Polyethylene in Modifying Bitumen to Improve Performance of Flexible Pavements Along Climbing Lanes
(2024-04-09) Marvin Ainebyona
This research project investigates the use of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as a modifier for bitumen in flexible pavements along climbing lanes. The LLDPE was incorporated into the bitumen in granular form at a mixing temperature of 150oC until achieving homogeneity. Key experiments conducted on the modified bitumen encompassed penetration, softening point, ductility tests, and the determination of temperature susceptibility via Penetration Index assessment. Upon modification with 2% LLDPE, the penetration value transitioned from 60/70 to 40/50. The softening point had a 7% rise, while ductility had a reduction of 30%. These results implied an improved stiffness in the bitumen. The Penetration Index demonstrated a substantial 60% decrease, indicating enhanced temperature stability of the bitumen. Subsequently, an asphalt mixture (asphalt cores) was prepared while utilizing the modified bitumen. Results indicated a 12% increase in air voids value, a 17% increase in stability, and a 5% reduction in flow. Additionally, there was a 1% rise in the TSR (Tensile Strength Ratio) value, signifying improved tensile strength characteristics. These findings suggest that incorporating LLDPE as a bitumen modifier yields positive alterations in the properties of asphalt mixtures, potentially enhancing their performance and durability of flexible pavements along climbing lanes.
Investigating the Use of River Sand in Stabilising Expansive Soils Case Study: Moroto-Nadunget Pavement Section
(2024-04-09) Atemo, Joan, Eneku
Expansive soils are known for their unpredictable expansion and contraction, low permeability, poor load transfer mechanism, high volume changes with variation in moisture content and high compressibility which renders them unsuitable for construction unless stabilized. Owing to the effect of environmental and physical factors to the efficient performance of the traditional methods of cement and lime such as pH, temperature and presence of sulphates, the research carried out aimed at investigating the physical process of adding an inert material (river sand) to expandible soils to stabilize them, a locally available material within the scope of study. The soil sample was blended with varying proportions of river sand (0%,10%, 20% and 30%). From the tests carried out on the neat soils, the soils were categorized as inorganic clays with high levels of plasticity with reference to the Unified Soil Classification System. Incorporating river sand into the expansive soil, significant improvements in strength, reduction in plasticity index as well as swelling potential were seen. The application of 20% river sand increased the CBR of the neat soils from 8% to 29.1% and the plasticity index from 31.2% to 22.5% which satisfies the Ministry of Works and Transport subgrade (G15 material) specifications requirements. Thus, the mix proportion of 20% river sand and 80% neat soils was considered as the optimum stabilizer content for expansive soils for subgrade.
Assessing the Use of River Sand and Sawdust Ash in the Stabilization of Weak Subgrade Soils
(2024-04-11) Justine Shilla Nambooze
Expansive soils usually have a high compressibility they also have a tendency to shrink upon drying and swelling when wet, and high-water absorption. These expansive soils make it impossible to build civil engineering projects without adequate stability due to a number of issues they cause. In places where these soils exist, before construction of any structure, various techniques are frequently used to enhance their engineering qualities. Traditionally, common additives for stabilizing soil have included cement and lime. But in Uganda, where there is a lot of waste from the agricultural sector, and the increasing prices of these additives, there is need to use the locally available materials to stabilize these weak soils. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether river sand and sawdust ash (SDA) were suitable for stabilizing expansive soils. Through carrying out experiments, the percentages of river sand and saw dust ash were varied in the following ranges; 0% river sand and 0% saw dust ash and 100% soil, 0% river sand and 12% saw dust ash, 15% river sand and 9% saw dust ash, 30% river sand and 6% saw dust ash, 45% river sand and 3% saw dust ash, 60% river sand and 0% saw dust ash with varying percentages of soil which were varied by mass. The tests were carried out which include classification tests, durability tests and strength tests. The results showed that the neat soil was a highly plastic clay soil which was poor to be used for road construction and therefore required stabilization. On addition of river sand and saw dust ash in the above proportions showed a notable decrease in the plasticity index from 30.4% for the neat soil to 5.2% at 45% river sand and 3% saw dust ash. However, at 60% river sand and 0% saw dust ash the soil matrix was non-plastic. The maximum dry density was also seen to increase until it reached its highest of 1.898 g/cm3 and a reduction in optimum moisture content to 8.1%. The results reveal the potential for the use of the combination of river sand and saw dust ash to stabilize the weak subgrade soils. The research also adds to the existing body of knowledge in that it addresses the problem of poor soils and also environmental waste concerns brought about by the agricultural sector.
Stabilisation of Laterite Soils With Cement and Metakaolin
(2024-04-11) Paul Kakooza
The research carried out was aimed at improving the properties of the laterite soils while using cement and metakaolin in the subbase soil layer. The research was guided by three specific objectives which included determining the engineering properties of the neat soils, determining the properties of the metakaolin and determining the engineering properties of the cement-metakaolin stabilized laterite soil. The case study of the research was Jambula road located in Entebbe municipality and the metakaolin was got from Buwambo. Furthermore, the study discussed about the sampling and preparation of the materials used. Different laboratory tests were carried out at Sterling laboratory while following the specific objectives stated in reference with the required standards of British Standards, General Specification MOW and others. Different tests of CBR, MDD, PI and UCS were carried out on the stabilized cement-metakaolin laterite soil and at optimum cement and metakaolin content of 3% and 4%, the mix had an MDD value of 2.071gm/cm³, CBR value of 57%, Pi value of 13.1% and USC value 1.41Mpa which all lied in the required range for a subbase soil layer in accordance with Ministry of works and Transport. Hence making cement and metakaolin good chemical stabilizers for the laterite soils. For this research, some conclusions were drawn and as well recommendations for further research were given.
Evaluating the Use of Alum Sludge in The Treatment of Wastewater Effluent from Namataala Wastewater Stablisation Ponds-Mbale
(2024-04-12) Yassin Nuwabiine
This research focuses on the evaluation of the use of alum sludge from the Manafwa water treatment plant, which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly for treating wastewater effluent from WWSPs. The case study was done on Namataala wwsps in mbale city with discharges of 24499.98m3/day of wastewater into Namataala wetland, which contains high levels of BOD, COD, and nutrients. The values of the parameters of the sampling point or discharge point were above the permissible limits: a COD of 235.67±14.01 mg/l, a BOD of 192.02±1.53 mg/l, total nitrogen of 49.7±4.51 mg/l, and total phosphorous of 30.6±0.21 mg/l. Alum sludge from water treatment plants is a readily available material obtained as a result of using aluminum sulphate as a primary coagulant in water treatment. From this research, alum sludge showed potential to produce an alum sludge extract that was used in the coagulation process in wastewater treatment. The parameters of interest we based them on were BOD, COD, TN, and TP. After taking wastewater through the coagulation process, which was followed by sedimentation, alum sludge extract showed a percentage reduction of BOD-79.9%, COD-79.7%, TN-87.7% and TP-92.2%. Therefore, alum sludge has a potential to be used in treatment of wastewater.
Investigating the Use of Basalt Rock Powder in the Partial Replacement of Cement in Plain Concrete
(2024-04-12) Kelly Wayomirwoth
ABSTRACT This research study focused on investigating the optimum replacement of Basalt Rock powder (BRP) that can be used to partially replace cement as a cement supplementary material (SCM) while achieving the maximum suitable compressive strength. The Basalt rocks used in this study were collected and crushed from Mugarama site in Kibaale District to form powder. The physical and mechanical properties of concrete ingredient such as sand and coarse aggregates were determined and these included sieve analysis, ACV, AIV, moisture content, flakiness index, specific gravity and water absorption. The properties of the BRP were determined by carrying out different tests such as sieve analysis, x-ray fluorescence, water absorption with results provided in chapter 4 below. The control mix of a cement content 430Kg, fine aggregate, 675kg, water 206kg and coarse aggregate of 1007kg. The percentage replacement of cement with BRP varied from 0, 10,15,20,25 and 30%. Concrete cubes of sizes 150mmx150mmx150mm were casted and evaluated for 7 and 28 days. Increase in percentage replacement of cement with BRP showed an increase in compressive strength from 0% to 15% attaining the highest value of 43.9Mpa and then gradually decreased with increasing percentage replacement of BRP. The setting time decreases while workability increases, with an increase in BRP percentage replacement. The compressive strength, setting time and workability were all lying in the acceptable ranges according to literature, 43.9Mpa, 7.7hrs and 87mm respectively. The 15% is the optimum percentage replacement since its strength is well above the control concrete of 40.5Mpa, and target strength of 35.1Mpa.
A Comparative Study Between the Conventional Method and the Use of Powdered Activated Carbon in Iron Reduction from Groundwater
(2024-04-12) Eric Manede
This report was specifically looking at the comparison between the conventional treatment method (aeration followed by settling and filtration) and the use of Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) in an adsorbent filter in total iron reduction from groundwater sources. The PAC was prepared from sawdust. The water sample was collected from iron contaminated ground water source (borehole with hand pump). Both treatment methods indicated above (conventional and adsorption) were applied to check the total iron reduction from the ground water source and the results were compared in order to determine which method could be more effective in total iron reduction. Total iron levels were tested both before and after the treatment and the results showed that the conventional method was able to reduce the total iron concentration by 95.22% (from 41.44mg/L to 1.98mg/L) while on the other hand, PAC layer thicknesses of 2.5cm, 5cm, and 7.5cm were able to reduce the total iron concentration by 99.08%, 99.20%, and 99.40% respectively between 41.44mg/L and 0.38mg/L, 41.44mg/L and 0.33mg/L and 41.44mg/L and 0.25mg/L respectively . However, the reduced iron levels to (1.98mg/L and 0.33mg/L for conventional and PAC respectively) were still above the permissible limits compared to the Uganda National Standards for treated potable water which is 0.3mg/L. But since 0.33mg/L total iron is also within the permissible limit of the Uganda National Standards for untreated potable water (1mg/L), it was considered to be safe at household level.
Evaluation of Rice Husk Ash Production Temperature on Performance in Fire-Burnt Clay Bricks
(2024-04-13) Solomon Munyweeza Mbuga
This research examined Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a stabilizer for fired clay bricks, promoting sustainable construction. It involved determining the physical properties of the soil to be used for making the clay bricks, determining the properties of the rice husk ash formed at varying temperatures and heating durations and assessing the performance of the stabilized fire-burnt clay bricks. XRF analysis revealed changes in RHA's chemistry with production temperature (600-800°C). Sieve analysis and Atterberg limit tests determined particle size and workability. Bricks with 10%, 20%, and 30% RHA were fired and tested to understand how RHA firing temperature affects strength and water absorption after pozzolanic activity with clay minerals. The study identified the optimal combination for durable, and water-resistant bricks to be a mix ratio of 1:9 (RHA: Soil) with the RHA produced at 7000C after 6 hours of heating. With this mix, an increase in compressive strength of up to 143.5% was deduced after stabilization with RHA.
Investigating the Use of Density Polyethylene in Modifying Bitumen to Improve Performance of Flexible Pavements Along Climbing Lanes
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-04-13) Derrick Adriko
This study investigated the application of bitumen modification in improving the performance of flexible pavements against rutting along climbing lanes. Such sections are characterized as severely loaded sites that experience deceleration of traffic and increased loading time. As the pavement temperature increases, the binder softens and is unable to withstand the increased loading hence causing shear deformation. A case study was evaluated at the climbing lane section along Bweyogerere – Jinja road that experienced premature deformation a few years after its reconstruction. The study deduced that the failure was caused by instability rutting within the asphalt layer. The properties of both aggregates and bitumen were evaluated to understand the cause of failure. The study employed mechanistic – empirical approach where the index properties of the materials were related to pavement performance using recommended asphalt models. Whereas the aggregates were found to possess excellent performance, the bitumen was found to be temperature sensitive hence causing reduced stiffness at high temperatures. Bitumen modification with LLDPE showed reduction in temperature susceptibility and increased stiffness modulus at high service operating temperatures and loading time. Asphalt mix specimen with 2% LLDPE increased the resistance to permanent deformation without affecting pavement durability. The modified specimen were subjected to ITS and PRD tests where an increase in tensile strength of 16.7% was recorded. The air voids at refusal density increased by 42% signifying increased flexibility upon secondary compaction under heavy loads thereby increasing service time and solving the issue of premature deformation.
Investigating the Use of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate and Cement Kiln Dust on the Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt
(2024-04-13) Raymond Kwesiga
This study investigated the utilization of waste Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and waste cement kiln dust (CKD) to enhance the characteristics of Hot Mix asphalt (HMA). It is wise to find sustainable solutions for reusing these materials in engineering applications, particularly in road construction, to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic and cement kiln dust. Polyethylene terephthalate exhibited superior performance in enhancing the moisture resistance of PET-modified asphalt. Various tests like penetration value test, softening point test, and ductility value test were conducted to assess PET's effectiveness, with PET proportions ranging from 2% to 10% by weight of bitumen. The findings indicated a reduction in penetration values and an increase in softening point values with higher PET percentages, although challenges of phase separation between the polymer and bitumen were observed. To address this issue, cement kiln dust was introduced into the PET-bitumen mixture to facilitate effective bonding. Different percentages of CKD were tested, and the addition of 2% CKD by weight of bitumen yielded improved results in storage stability testing. The indirect tensile strength ratio notably increased by 92.5%, indicating enhanced resistance of asphalt to moisture damage facilitated by PET. Overall, the research aimed to enhance the properties of HMA to bolster its resilience against moisture damage and potentially overcome phase separation challenges in modified asphalt.
Evaluation of Rice Husk Ash Production Temperature on Performance in Fire-Burnt Clay Bricks
(2024-04-13) Eliud Lakara Lotyang
Fire burnt clay bricks are a common building material used in engineering practice in Uganda. This study aims at investigating the use of rice husk ash as a stabilizer in fire burnt clay bricks. The methods used to attain the objectives include soil tests such as the Sieve analysis and Atterberg limit tests on the soil to be used in the bricks to determine its physical properties, X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy on the Rice husk ash to determine the chemical composition and tests mainly focusing on the compressive strength and water absorption parameters of the stabilized earth blocks. Some key parameters in the study include the temperature variations of the materials being used and the effect on the final mechanical properties of the brick. This research identifies that the optimal ratio of RHA to soil is 9:1 with the RHA being heated at 7000C for 6 hours explaining the influence of the chemical composition of the ash on the clay minerals used when brick making. With this mix, an increase in compressive strength of up to 143.5% was deduced after stabilisation with RHA.