Comparison of perception of masons on brick sites and clay physical properties at selected sites in Marakwet West Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Burnt clay bricks are the main building material for walls in Marakwet West Sub-County of Elgeiyo Marakwet County in Kenya. The study aimed at comparing some selected physical properties of clay with the perception of masons with a view of locating the best site for bricks in the Sub-County. The methodology involved interviewing masons to get their perceptions about a site they regarded as producing better bricks. In addition, laboratory measurements of sand, clay, silt, liquid limit and plastic index of clay samples from Chebiemit, Cheptongei and Kapsowar towns in the County were determined. Soil samples were taken at depths of 300mm, 600mm and 900mm in the three areas. Ranking of the perceptions and laboratory results were done to determine the best brick sites. A total of seventeen masons were interviewed. The best brick sites from perceptions of masons in order were as follows; Cheptongei came first, Chebiemit came second and Kapsowar came out last. Based on laboratory results the best sites in order are Chebiemit, Kapsowar and Cheptongei. Combining the two results and ranking them it was concluded that the best sites in order are Chebiemit, Cheptongei and lasty Kapsowar. Further research is needed on the chemical contents of the clay from the three sites.