Effect of Chemical Composition of Clay on Physical-Mechanical Properties of Clay Paving Blocks

Clay paving blocks made of natural, environmentally friendly materials have their own originality and colorful authenticity, but due to the complex technological production process, they are also relatively expensive products; therefore, their environmental resistance properties are strictly defined and controlled by the standards. The physical and mechanical properties of clay paving blocks are the key factors aiming to ensure the longevity of products and their long-term success in the market. Therefore, ensuring high physical and mechanical properties of clay paving blocks have become a most crucial challenge for the manufactures. This article considers the parameters of the technological production process of clay paving blocks manufacturing and evaluates the influence of the chemical composition of three different types of clay on the physical and mechanical properties of the paving blocks. Water absorption, linear shrinkage, freeze/thaw, acid resistance, and transverse breaking load of clay paving blocks are investigated. This study reveals the importance of raw material selection in the production process of clay paving blocks and provides the concept of main quality factors of clay.