THE USE OF PUMICE AS RAW MATERIAL FOR CEMENT BRICK

Pumice in the Tidore Islands City has not been utilized optimally, only as a pile material. In this research, pumice was used as a basic material in the manufacture of cement brick which in the local language was called Batu Tela. In this study, an experimental study was conducted to determine the compressive strength and shear of cement masonry walls with pumice base material. The four types of specimens used in this study were pumice-based masonry bricks with plaster (BAP), without plastering (BATP). Cement brick control with plastering (BCP) and without plastering (BCTP). A cement brick made from pumice stone, in the process of refining is given a pressure of 4.00 MPa. Comparative bricks were purchased directly from local businessmen. The pressure exerted in the process of making control bricks is not measured, only based on the strength of the labour force. From the results of the study, the compressive strength of BATP and BPTP were 19.33 MPa and 5.15 MPa respectively. The Strength of pumice-based cement brick is 73.35% larger than control brick. The compressive strength of BAP and BCP were 35.38 MPa and 29.48 MPa respectively. The strength of cement bricks made from floating sand is 16.67% greater than control bricks. The use of plastering on both types of pairs gives an effect of an average strength increase of 63.95% respectively, or the strength of bricks of floating sand cement was 73.35% higher than that of market bricks. The compressive strength of BAP and BCP are 35.38 MPa and 29.48 MPa, respectively, or the strength of bricks of floating sand cement is 16.67% greater than that of market bricks. The use of plastering on both types of pairs gives an effect of an average strength increase of 63.95%.