In Tala, Caloocan City, where there are vast deposits of clay, the Tala Foundation Inc. has established the Cardinal Ceramics Plant. The clay brick making plant is a socio-economic project of the Foundation aimed at providing employment and additional income while at the same time utilizing the mineral deposits in the vicinity.
Clay Bricks
Materials:
Clay
Sand
Water
Equipment:
spades, hoes and picks
14 mesh screen
wooden scraper
10″ x 5″ x 21/2″ wooden mold
gas kiln
Procedure:
1. Mine the raw clay with the use of spades, hoes and picks.
2. Remove stones and other impurities using a 14 mesh screen.
3. Add water and sand in the proportion of 25% water and 10% sand, by weight.
4. Place the mold on the drying platform. Put the clay mixture in the mold and manually wedge the clay. Scrape off the excess clay.
5. Remove the mold and allow the newly made brick (or green brick) to dry at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. Turn “green bricks” at regular intervals to prevent warping and cracking.
6. Pre-heat the gas kiln for 2 hours, setting it at 98o C. Stack the bricks in “tie-tricks” formation. Fire for 16 hours.
7. Let the bricks cool completely before using.
Source: Ceramics Research Division ITDI (DOST) Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila
