The influence of water saturation on mechanical properties of ceramic bricks – tests on 19th- century and contemporary bricks

P. Matysek; T. Stryszewska; S. Kańka; M. Witkowski

doi:10.3989/mc.2016.07315

Authors

P. Matysek Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Building Materials and Structures
T. Stryszewska Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Building Materials and Structures
S. Kańka Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Building Materials and Structures
M. Witkowski Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Building Materials and Structures

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2016.07315

Keywords:

Brick, Mechanical properties, Compressive strength

Abstract

The paper presents test results concerning ceramic bricks produced in 1880’s. Bricks were obtained from a building erected as part of Archduke Rudolf barracks in Krakow. The tests helped to specify changes in brick compressive strength and hardness, caused by water saturation in the ceramic material. For comparison purposes, tests were also carried out on contemporary bricks. Tests showed that mechanical properties of the ceramic bricks in the water saturation state were worse than in the dry state. The impact of strong brick moisture on changes of mechanical parameters is essential in terms of safety assessment for brick structures.

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