Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

The use of composite materials has been employed in many fields of engineering such as aeronautical, marine and automobile industries. This experimental investigation focuses on the strength of slab panels made of baked clay. The study consists of a layer of baked clay sandwiched between two outer layers of reinforced concrete connected by steel rods. The study was conducted on ten slab panels and was carried outmainly to measure the strength of baked clay sandwiched slabs and to study the specific weight and specific gravity of various batches made with clay and sand mixture with different ratios. The significant parameters of the study include, Mixing of clay and sand with different ratios concluding seven batches with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of pit sand and Compacting the sample with different loading, ranges from 0 to 6 N/mm2 with an increment of 1.0. The composite slab panels were tested as simply supported under single point load. The results obtained were quite satisfactorily with an overall increase in strength. Morover, this approach could be a cost effective and sustainable solution for many structures and infrastructural development of any country.

Keywords: baked clay, slabs, kiln, specific gravity, specific weight, compressive strength