PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER REINFORCED FLY ASH BRICKS SUBJECTED TO ACID AND CHLORIDE ATTACK

Durability of building materials and structural components is of a major criterion, as it plays an important role in terms of longer serviceability. Deterioration of structural components like external and internal walls, stair cases etc leads to sever damage and is unpleasant in ambience. Many natural resources can be conserved with the help of proper durable materials. Basically, a durable material must be resistive to chemical attacks, weathering actions and abrasions in order to attain longer service life. In this study, durability tests were performed by submerging the Fiber Reinforced Fly ash Bricks (FRF bricks) incorporated with Coir and Glass fiber in 1% and 2% in 5% of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) of 1N by volume and 3.5% of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) by weight for a duration of 28 days respectively. This paper presents the performance tests and experimental results that were conducted to appraise the resistance or durability of FRF bricks against acid and chloride attacks. The Compressive strength, pH value, change in mass and dimensions of FRF bricks were assessed along with visual inspection. The results obtained suggests that there is a reduction in the weight, compressive strength and expansion of thickness due to the effect of acid attack. The extent of damage or severity that has occurred on the FRF bricks due to acid and chloride attacks is presented in this paper.