Characterization of Clay Materials and Performance Evaluation of Fired Clay Composites Made for Low-Cost Housing

This study deals with the physico-chemical, mineralogical and geotechnical characterization of alluvial clays from Batchenga in Cameroon a view to their use as building materials for housing. The clay (Arg.All) was collected locality at village Natchigal (4˚20'40''N 11˚37'40''E 378 m altitude) fired between 900˚C 1100˚C. Characterization performed by XRD, XRF, DTA/DTG, firing tests. DTA/DTG infrared analysis methods were on these clays. linear shrinkage, mechanical strengths, water absorption, porosity density measured products. results obtained show that major oxides are Arg.Lat SiO2 (72.13%), Al2O3 (14.1%), Fe2O3 (4.45%) Arg.All: (48.91%), (23.79%), (9.54%). products based clay, present flexural strength 4.45 MPa 6.80 As those lateritic is 0.53 0.76 respectively 900 33.69% 22.93% 1100˚C 39.55% 36.01% Water absorption 18% 11.16% 22.43% 21.16% respectively. These suggest its have better characteristics regardless temperature manufactured addition degreaser recommended improve performance clay.