Identifikasi Sifat Fisik Lempung Sebagai Produksi Bata Merah di Desa Bukit Karya, Kecamatan Wasile Timur, Kabupaten Halmahera Timur

Abstract

Clay is the primary raw material for red brick production, and its physical characteristics significantly determine the quality of the final product. Bricks are a long-established construction material, particularly for wall construction. Bukit Karya Village is a red brick production site located in East Wasile District, East Halmahera Regency. This study aims to identify the physical properties of the clay used as raw material for red brick production and to evaluate its potential based on the observed physical characteristics. The research employed experimental laboratory testing methods, including analyses of moisture content, specific gravity, sieve analysis, and Atterberg limits. The results indicate that the moisture content of the four samples ranged from 30.13% to 46.58%, specific gravity from 2.52 to 2.78, sand fraction from 54.68% to 60.28%, and silt and clay fractions from 39.72% to 45.32%. Atterberg limit tests yielded liquid limit values of 37,67–40,10%, plastic limit values of 30,67–34,60%, and plasticity index values of 5.50–7.00%. Overall analysis shows that the four samples exhibit varied physical characteristics but possess the potential to be utilized as raw material for red bricks. Sample 1 displays characteristics that are relatively more favorable, evidenced by its higher plasticity index value.