Improved testing procedures to assess the physical and mechanical properties of ceramic blocks

In Brazil, ceramic blocks have a significant share of the masonry construction market. Thus, an experimental testing program was devised to determine physical and mechanical properties from different regions Brazil. The included five Brazilian states ten producers, studied were absorption, material density, efflorescence, abrasion, compressive strength, resistance towet-dry cycles. purpose determining these is set guidelines standardize performance same-geometry blocks. density test method wet- dry cycle are being proposed as new tests not usually specified in international codes. objective wet durability parameter for that subjected freeze-thaw analysis results identified important relationship between properties. Keywords: masonry, clay, blocks,