Anisotropy and compressive strength evaluation of solid fired clay bricks by testing small specimens

A study is presented on the use of a non-standard 40 × mm3 specimen for experimental measurement compressive strength solid fired clay bricks extracted from existing masonry buildings. The viability such has been assessed by comparison with results obtained standard 100 specimen. two main advantages. First, it significantly reduces volume sampled material, which can be severely restrained in architectural heritage Second, allows carrying out tests three brick dimensions (length, width and thickness), therefore investigating anisotropy that exhibit depending their manufacturing process. campaign focused different types bricks, namely mechanically extruded, hydraulic press moulded, handmade units, total amount 461 specimens. Using mentioned small cubic specimen, detailed research carried applying statistical approach. processing have shown proposed utilized reliable estimation strengths along directions bricks.