Characterization and Valuation of a Clay Soil Sampled in Londéla-Kayes in the Republic of Congo

In order to characterize and enhance clay collected in Londela-kayes in the Republic of Congo, in this work, it was a question of proceeding to the mineralogical, physico-chemical, thermal and geotechnical characterization of this clay. Next, determine the technological properties of fired bricks. For this, various methods were used in particular: X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, gravimetric thermal analysis and differential thermal analysis, dilatometric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, specific surface and analysis chemical. It appears that, for the mineralogical characterization, kaolinite is the most abundant mineral of this clay. The results of dilatometric analysis have shown that this clay can be fired at low temperatures. The geotechnical characterization showed that it is plastic clay thus exhibiting a high shrinkage. The results of the technological properties of LON1 bricks have shown that this clay cannot be used in the manufacture of fired bricks. The geotechnical properties must be improved by adding additives in order to improve the technological properties of the fired bricks.