ABSTRACT
The entire thesis is made up of 104 pages, 11 tables, 6 figures, 12 plates and 32 references. The problem of this study is the identification and utilization of the available ceramic raw materials for the production of balusters for balconies and staircases. The purposes of this study are to harness the locally available ceramic materials for the production of balusters as alternative materials to steel, wood and cement. The need for varieties to satisfy client's tastes call for this medium of baluster production for buildings. Raw materials such as quartz, feldspar, kaolin, bentonite and secondary clay were either processed, or obtained and used as body composition for the balusters. A product design was made on paper which was later transferred on wood by a turning machine. This was later used for model casting. The plaster to water ratio of 130:100 was used for casting mould making. Deflocculants of sodium silicate and sodium carbonate in ratio 3:1 respectively were used for the casting slip test. Grease and laundry soap were used as mould separators. Biscuit firing was taken to 1300�C while the gloss firing got to 1200�C in oxidation firing. The researcher employed methods which included seeking alternative medium to the use of cement, wood and metal for balusters production, testing them to ascertain their strength and functional capabilities. Many studio tests and experiments were conducted and the results of the successful/unsuccessful ones were recorded. Based on the experiments the following results/findings were made: that thick wares of about 1 centimetre does not warp except when too close to the source of heat; that the addition of 1.5 percent bentonite gave a good plasticity; that a cast was only possible per day and per mould in order to avert collapse or sagging; that about 65 percent Kaolin, 13 percent Quartz as well as 20.5 percent of Zaria Feldspar in addition to the use of 1.5 percent bentonite in the clay body composition produced improved stoneware, rather than pure porcelain. This product can therefore, be referred to as being porcelainous, but not true porcelain. Based on the result obtained from this study, it is conclusive that, the materials used in the formulation of the ceramic balusters if utilized in the manner stated by this study will give consistent result; that baluster production using ceramic materials is achievable.