Abstract
M.Tech. (Extraction Metallurgy)
Artisanal in South Africa is found many fields and different types of applications. This study examined the populations of the Dididi and QwaQwa villages, who are involved in brick-making production as their principal daily activity. These artisanal brick-makers have to maintain their daily livelihood by producing fired clay bricks. However, the production of these bricks has resulted in environmental degradation. Finding a balance between economic and environmental considerations is therefore crucial.
This study intended to investigate the quality of artisanal bricks manufactured in Dididi and QwaQwa, together with the effects on the environment. The environmental issues were studied using a survey questionnaire with statistics (descriptive methods and principal component analysis). The life cycle of artisanal brick-making was assessed in terms of renewability of resources, ecosystem conservation, minimisation of pollution and so on. The quality of bricks was studied first by mechanical properties, followed by an examination of the mineralogy of these bricks using analytical techniques (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer). Lastly, the mechanical properties of the artisanal bricks were compared to commercially produced bricks according to the South Africa National Standard using the unconfined compressive strength test and water absorption analysis.
The principal component analysis of the survey showed that brick-makers were interested in both the economic and environmental aspects. It was also found that these brick-makers do not use the Proctor compaction technique, explaining weak results for the artisanal fired and burnt bricks of the Dididi site, with 4.3 and 9 MPa respectively. The burnt bricks from the QwaQwa site, however, reached the recommended quality with 15 MPa. When considering the minimum unconfined compressive strength test set out by the South African National Standard (SANS 227:2007), it was shown that the new mineral formations could strengthen the bricks – especially if the artisans used the Proctor compaction technique. In comparison to commercial bricks, some of the results met the requirement of SANS 227:2007. Lastly, the results of the life-cycle analysis showed that the labour was intensive due to the small tools applied, and because minerals cannot be renewed, they require good management. The cash-flow tables show that artisanal brick-makers can improve their activities to the standard of industrial brick-making.