Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Required for Making Concrete Bricks
3. Step-by-Step Guide on Making Concrete Bricks at Home
4. Quality Control and Testing of Concrete Bricks
5. Aichen Company Solutions
6. References

Introduction

Making concrete bricks at home can be an economical and rewarding activity. With the right materials and procedures, you can produce durable and high-quality bricks suitable for various construction needs. This guide outlines the materials required, step-by-step instructions, quality control measures, and solutions offered by Aichen Company.

Materials Required for Making Concrete Bricks

• Portland Cement - 1 part
• Sand - 2.5 parts
• Gravel - 2 parts
• Water - 0.5 parts
• Mold Release Agent
• Brick Molds

Step-by-Step Guide on Making Concrete Bricks at Home

Mixing the Ingredients

Mix the Portland cement, sand, and gravel together in a large wheelbarrow, trough, or on a flat surface with a shovel. Ensure that they are thoroughly mixed before adding water.

Adding Water

Slowly add the water while continuing to mix the dry ingredients. The consistency of the mixture should be semi-dry, similar to that of damp soil. Avoid adding too much water as it can weaken the mixture.

Preparing the Mold

Apply a thin layer of mold release agent to the inside of the brick molds. This will prevent the concrete from sticking after the curing process.

Filling the Molds

Fill the molds with the concrete mixture using a shovel. Ensure that the mixture is packed tightly to eliminate air pockets. Level the top of the mold with a straight edge.

Drying and Curing

Let the filled molds sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. After removing the bricks from the molds, they should be cured for at least two weeks. Curing can be done by sprinkling water on them daily and covering with a tarp to retain moisture.

Quality Control and Testing of Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks should be tested for compressive strength and durability. A simple method is to drop the brick from a height of 1 meter. If it does not crack, it has likely achieved adequate strength. For compressive strength testing, a compression testing machine can provide precise data.

Compressive Strength Test

Generally, a good quality concrete brick should have a compressive strength of around 3,000 psi at 28 days.

Aichen Company Solutions

Aichen Company offers solutions for enhancing the durability and strength of homemade concrete bricks. Their range of additives can be mixed into the concrete to improve workability, reduce water usage, and increase the final strength.

Special Additives

• Plasticizers - Enhance workability without adding more water.
• Waterproofing Agents - Reduce permeability and improve durability.
• Fiber Reinforcements - Increase tensile strength and crack resistance.

References

• Smith, J. Home Concrete Brick Making: A Comprehensive Guide. Construction Monthly, March 2022.
• Aichen Company. Concrete Additives for Enhanced Performance. Aichen Technical Reports, 2023.