How to Make Sand Bricks
Introduction:
Sand bricks are used as a material for buildings and furniture. They are made by mixing soil, sand, clay, etc., with water to create a moldable mass that can then be formed into molds of any shape and dried until they harden. After drying, they can be shaped further or left in their original form.
The use of sand brick is not limited to any particular place or region; it has been used more all over the world under various names, including adobe brick, sun-dried brick (China), earth construction (Africa), argamasa (Spain), pisé de Terre cuit (France) and pièce cuite à la chaux (Canada). In this article, I will discuss how to make sand blocks. So let us get started.
Summary: Instructions:
1. Use a large container to collect sand from the beach or a sandbox.
2. Add water to the container until the sand is wet.
3. Place the sand bricks in the wet sand, making sure they are covered.
4. Allow the sand bricks to dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Voila! You have created your own sand bricks!
Step-wise Guide on How to Make Sand Bricks:
Step 1 :
To make sand bricks, you’ll need to start digging a big and deep pit for your needs. The depth will depend on the type of soil or material used to make the bricks. Once you’ve dug the pit, line the bottom with iron sheets.
Step 2 :
Then mix mud and clay in water till it forms a thick paste-like substance called ‘BADDA’. Now fill the pit in layers with this ‘Badda’ mixture. Pack each layer tightly before laying down the succeeding layer. When you finish packing your last layer, leave it for about 2-3 days so that it dries up completely by absorbing all moisture from within and without.
Step 3 :
This is called the “First Dry” layer. After this, proceed to make the second layer. Put pure sand on top of the first ‘Badda’ layer. Then place another ‘Badda’ layer over that sand to build your brick walls.
Step 4 :
Pack each layer tightly before laying down the succeeding one so that no space is left in between for moisture to get trapped inside, causing dampness or cracks later while drying up. Continue adding such layers until you can raise a wall of adequate height as per your requirement. The last layer should be packed really well by applying a lot of pressure since it will form the base for raising your next story later.
Step 5 :
Take a break and allow these layers to dry up for about 5-7 days. This is called the ‘second dry’. After this, you can start making your bricks from these dried walls by chiseling out a portion of the wall and shaping it into a rectangular brick.
Step 6 :
But before each brick is formed, you must soak both sides with water by applying pressure using a wooden plank or stick. Then, place these pieces between two smooth rocks and leave them under the moonlight for about 12 hours so that they get completely saturated with moisture from within as well as without, thereby increasing their surface area in contact with moisture which will help them absorb more amount of moisture during the subsequent drying process.
Step 7 :
The outer layer of these bricks gets converted into mud (same as the ‘Badda’ mixture), while the inner layer gets converted into the sand.
Step 8 :
Then, leave these bricks for about 1-2 days to dry up completely. After this, you can place them out in the sun to get dried really well from within. By following this process, you will make excellent quality and long-lasting sand bricks with minimum effort and time.
Precautions While Making Sand Bricks:
If you are planning to make sand bricks for construction activities, it is recommended that you take some precautions to help prevent accidents. Below are some of the precautions:
The water used in making sand bricks must be clean as this could lead to contamination, causing weakness, and, in some instances, cracks occur. If there is an insect or fly inside the container where water has been stored, do not use it.
When working with cement, always cover your face with a mask to avoid inhaling any particles into your respiratory system, resulting in lung cancer. Wear covering clothing well fitted on your body and tie long hair at the back of your head; if possible, wear rubber gloves and safety goggles while working with cement and other ingredients for brick-making.
Protect yourself from harmful UV rays by always wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Please do not step on the bricks you have made as this could lead to injuries; wear rubber boots while walking around your work area or cover the clay with wood slats to protect it when working with cement. Always make sand bricks along a flat surface.
That way, you will get perfectly leveled bricks for construction use. Keep all materials needed for brick making within easy reach because when you are busy mixing ingredients. When storing the sand bricks, keep them in an environment with good air circulation away from direct sunlight and moisture; otherwise, they might develop molds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sand Is Used to Make Bricks?
The sand used to make bricks is a type of sand that is made from clay and quartz. Clay is mixed with water, and then the mixture is heated until it becomes a thick liquid. This liquid is then poured into molds and allowed to cool. The bricks are then taken out of the mold and dried.
What Is the Mix for Making Bricks?
There are many types of mixes for making bricks. The most common mix is made up of clay, sand, and water. However, other mixes can be used, such as a cement-based mix or a slag-based mix.
The type of mix you use will depend on the type of brick you want to make. For example, a clay brick needs a mixture that is both soft and pliable. A cement-based mix is best for making hard bricks that need to be resistant to weathering and moisture. A slag-based mix is perfect for making bricks with metallic sheen or color.
What Type of Cement Is Used for Bricks?
Cement is a substance that is used to bind together pieces of aggregate, such as sand, gravel, and clay. There are many types of cement, but the most common type used in bricks is Portland cement.
Portland cement is made up of two main ingredients: limestone and clay. The limestone reacts with the water in the mixture to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). This reacts with the clay to form a hard, durable matrix that holds the sand and gravel together.
Can I Just Use Cement Without Sand?
No, you cannot just use cement without sand. Cement requires sand to form a strong foundation for your structure. Without the sand, the cement would not have the strength necessary to support your building.
Conclusion:
I hope this article has provided all the relevant information on how to make sand bricks. Always ensure the precautions while performing the process. Thank you, and have a nice day!
