Make concrete bricks with straw.
There are several advantages to using straw in concrete bricks. First, the straw provides additional strength, as the concrete attaches to it, and dimensional stability, which helps keep the bricks from cracking or breaking. Second, the straw acts as a filler, which reduces the weight of the bricks. It is fairly easy to make bricks with straw, but be sure to follow these directions as you do not want to produce bricks that break.
Instructions
1. Measure the length and width of the brick forms. Multiply these two numbers to get the two-dimensional size of the bricks. Measure the length and width of the space where the bricks will be used. Multiply these two numbers to get the two-dimensional size of the space. Divide the size of the space by the size of the brick. The quotient will be the number of bricks you need.
2. Determine the amount of concrete you will need. Measure and multiply the height, width and depth of a brick to get its cubic size. If you are measuring the bricks in inches, you will need to convert the number to cubic yards. For example, if the length is 6 inches, the width 3 inches, and the depth 2 inches, the brick takes up 36 cubic inches. A cubic yard contains 46,656 cubic inches. Divide this number by 36 to get the number of this size of brick in a cubic yard. In this example, one cubic yard of concrete will make about 1,300 bricks.
3. Mix the concrete. A cubic yard of concrete with straw requires about 800 pounds of cement, 600 pounds of sand, 50 pounds of straw and about 50 gallons of water. Start by mixing the cement and sand, then add the straw and mix it thoroughly. Slowly add the water and continue the mixing. If the mixture is too wet, slowly add equal amounts of cement, sand and straw to achieve the desired thickness. If it is too thick, add more water.
4. Spread a light layer of oil on the inner sides and bottom of the brick forms -- this will make it easier to remove the forms from the bricks after they have cured.
5. Shovel the concrete into the brick form until it is a little over-filled. Lift the form about an inch off the ground and tap the form on the ground repeatedly to help the material settle. Set the form down and smooth the top with the trowel. Allow the brick to cure, which takes about 24 hours. Remove the form.
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