Investigation of technical properties in bricks by using color image analysis

Abstract

Bricks, as one of terra cotta based construction materials have a large production capacities in Afyonkarahisar/Turkey industry. Continuous improvements either in raw materials or manufacturing conditions take great importance for mass production. In this sense, color image analysis was studied in order to assess the technical properties consistently in the earliest time possible. For this purpose, three different brick samples, having different kinds of raw material compositions and firing temperatures, were supplied from different companies located near to Afyonkarahisar city. These samples were initially cutted in thin sections and dry grinding operation was carried out so as to achieve smooth surfaces. The samples were placed on lamellaes and once again sensitively grinded, and afterwards optical microscopy images were obtained. The obtained images were then processed by numerically via MATLAB software and RGB (red-green-blue) values were found out. The assessment of technical test results of company samples and RGB values were figured out, and it was concluded that color image analysis is satisfactorily consistent with technical test results of companies and can be utilised in place of time consuming analysis efforts during production in companies.