Evaluation and uses of Local Gypsum Plaster

Abstract

Data and information about gypsum, its uses and occurences were collected. Also information about previous local research and studies were collected. Then samples from locally produced gypsum plaster were taken and analysed physically and chemically and for comparison the same analysis were carried on imported gypsum plaster. All obtained results were compared with local and international standards, and it were found to comply with local standards, but it gave low results when compared with the imported one. The work was extended to study its possible uses as building material. Different types of mortar were prepared and prisms and piers were built from them and local bricks in order to study their effect on brickwork strength. It is clear that from the results obtained, it can be used in mortar alone or with cement mortar as plasticizer to improve its properties. It also increases its sand carrying capacity and therefore it can be used as low-cost mortar. Gypsum mortars are also suitable fore use with local traditional bricks. The study also includes its use as stabilizer with stabilized soil blocks. It improves the dry properties of the blocks but when immeresed in water it completely dissolved. The study also showed the possibility of using it to produce bricks and blocks.The produced bricks were of good quality.