Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks As Per IS Code 3495 Part-2

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In this blog post we will know about "Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks As Per IS Code 3495 Part 2'' along with the test procedure, formula, result and requirements as per IS Code 13797. After reading this blog post you will understand step by step procedure along with lab report, test result and requirements of the water absorption of fly ash bricks as per IS Code.

In the first part of this blog we will see the importance of water absorption of fly ash bricks and the effect of high water absorption of fly ash bricks. In the next part of this blog, we will see the step by step procedure to determine the water absorption of fly ash bricks.


Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks As Per IS Code 3495 Part-2 

Water absorption of fly ash brick is tested as per IS:3495 Part-II. It ensures the quality of brick to be used in the project. The test result may vary from 12% to 20% of its dry weight.

Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks As Per IS 3495 Part-2

Table of Contents

Importance of Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

Water absorption of fly ash brick is an important property to be determined before using the fly ash brick in building to ensure the quality. Water absorption refers to the amount of water that fly ash brick can absorb, it is expressed as a percentage of the fly ash's dry weight. For fly ash bricks, water absorption is a crucial factor that determines their durability and strength.

Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, and it is a popular alternative material used in brick-making due to its low cost and environmental benefits. But, fly ash bricks have a higher tendency to absorb water compared to conventional clay bricks.


Standard Test Procedure for Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

Aim:

To determine the water absorption of fly ash bricks by following test procedure and formula.

Indian Standard Used For Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks:

The following standards are used to determine the water absorption of fly ash bricks:
  • IS: 5454 - 1978 [Method for Sampling of Clay Bricks]
  • IS: 3495 (Part 2) - 1992 [Method of Test of Burnt Clay Building Bricks]
  • IS: 13757 - 1992 [Burnt Clay Fly Ash Building Bricks- Specification]

General Requirements For Water Absorption Testing:

The following requirements are considered for the water absorption of fly ash bricks:
  • The dimensions of the bricks shall be measured to the nearest 1 mm.
  • All apparatus and testing equipment shall be calibrated at frequent intervals.
  • The number of specimens for the test shall be selected as per IS: 5454 - 1978.

Water-Absorption-of-Fly-Ash-Bricks-Test-Civilengicon

Apparatus Required For Water Absorption Test

The following apparatuses are required for the testing of water absorption of fly ash bricks.
  1. A Sensitive weighing balance capable of weighing within 0.1 % of the total mass of the specimen.
  2. Ventilated Oven [110°C  (± 5°C)].
  3. Water Bath [27°C  (± 2°C)].
  4. Damp Cloths

Water Absorption Formula For Fly Ash Bricks

Formula for water absorption of fly ash bricks is given as:

Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks (%)= [(M2-M1)/M1]x100 

(Value of M1  and M2 can be obtained from following testing steps)

Preconditioning For Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

Follow these steps to find out the water absorption of fly ash bricks.

Step 1: Dry all the specimens in the "Ventilated Oven" at a temperature of 110°C  (± 5°C) till it attains substantially constant mass.

Step 2: Cool the specimens at room temperature and obtain its weight individually and record as (M1).


Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks Test Procedure

Follow these steps to find out the water absorption of fly ash bricks.

Step 3: Immerse completely dried specimens in clean water at a temperature of 27°C  (± 2°C) for 24 hours.

Step 4: After then remove the specimens/sample from the water and wipe out any traces of water with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Weight the specimens individually within 3 minutes from the time of removal form water and record as (M2).


Test Result For Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

Water absorption of fly ash bricks as percentage by mass, after 24 hours immersion in cold water is given as:
Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks (%)= [(M2-M1)/M1]x100

Test Report For Water Absorption 

The average of results obtained from each specimen shall be reported as: 
Water Absorption (%)= ......

Requirements of Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

As per IS: 13757 - 1992 [Burnt Clay Fly Ash Building Bricks- Specification], The water absorption of fly ash bricks test accordance with the procedure as per IS: 3495 (Part 2)- 1992, After immersion in cold water for 24 hours, water absorption of brick shall not be more than 20%  by weight up to class 12.5 and 15% by weight for higher classes.

Effect of High Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks

When the water absorption of fly ash bricks tested as per IS Code and it is found higher than the requirements, the following issues can occur:

Reduced Strength of Fly Ash Bricks: High water absorption can weaken the brick's structure, leading to lower compressive strength, which can affect the durability and lifespan of the building.

Efflorescence of Fly Ash Bricks: When the water in the bricks evaporates, it can leave behind salt deposits on the surface, causing efflorescence. This can lead to discoloration and degradation of the bricks.

Thermal Conductivity of Fly Ash BricksBricks with high water absorption tend to have higher thermal conductivity, leading to heat loss and increased energy consumption.

Freeze-Thaw Damage of Fly Ash Bricks: Bricks with high water absorption are more prone to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles, leading to cracking and disintegration of the bricks.

Therefore, it is essential to control the water absorption of fly ash bricks to ensure their quality and durability. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set a standard for the maximum water absorption of fly ash bricks, which is 20% by weight. Manufacturers need to ensure that their fly ash bricks meet this standard and perform quality checks to ensure that the water absorption is within the acceptable range.

So, the water absorption of fly ash bricks is an essential factor that affects their strength, durability and lifespan. Controlling water absorption through proper manufacturing processes and quality checks can ensure that fly ash bricks are of high quality and suitable for use in construction.

👉FAQs:

Fly Ash Bricks Water Absorption Limit?

Fly Ash Bricks Water Absorption Limit, after 24 hours submerged in cold water is 20% maximum of its dry weight when tested accordance with IS: 3495 Part 2.

Fly Ash Bricks IS Code 12894?

IS:12894:2002 [PULVERIZED FUEL ASH-LIME BRICKS — SPECIFICATION]

What is Fly Ash Brick Water Absorption Limit?

Water absorption of fly ash bricks shall not be more than 20%  by weight up to class 12.5; and water absorption of brick shall not be more than 15% by weight for higher classes (greater than class 12.5).

How to Download Water Absorption Test of Bricks PDF?

To download water absorption test of fly ash bricks procedure in pdf format, there are so many ways.

What is Water Absorption Test of Bricks Lab Report?

Water absorption of fly ash bricks is the average result obtained from each tested specimen, it shall be reported as: Water Absorption of Fly Ash Bricks= ......%.

What is Water Absorption Test of Fly Ash Bricks?

Water absorption test of fly ash bricks is the determination of percentage of water absorbed by a brick when it is soaked in cold water for 24 hours. We can get the test result by using formula. The test result may vary from 12% to 20 % up to class 12.5.


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  1. Thanks for the blog loaded with so much information. It's really informative.
    Green Building Material

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