Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties for Enhanced Thermal Insulation: An Assessment of Fabricated Clay Bricks in Housing Applications.

This study explores the potential of fabricated clay bricks as effective thermal insulators for housing, with a focus on evaluating and enhancing key physical and mechanical properties. Employing clay soil and maize stalk biochar, a controlled approach identified optimal conditions for fabrication, resulting in notable improvements. The fabricated clay-biochar bricks exhibit a density of 1.418 g/cm , water absorption rate of 24.009%, thermal conductivity of 0.688 W/mK, and an impressive compressive strength of 8.408 N/mm. Biochar content, pressure, and temperature are identified as crucial factors in achieving these enhanced characteristics. These findings highlight the viability of clay-biochar bricks as sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for housing applications, meeting the demand for environmentally friendly construction materials with superior thermal insulation properties.