The handmade brick of Cuenca (Ecuador): an initial characterisation within the heritage framework

Ceramic brick as a building material is used in many civilizations worldwide. In the case of Historic Center Cuenca (Ecuador), it dates back to colonial times and remains determining factor local identity. However, beyond productive tradition, its technical conditions knowledge, use, conservation are limited. this context, present research resorts analytical techniques characterize raw solid from historical production supply sites. It determined that there significant variations composition, physical mechanical behavior durability. Thus, low compressive strength (x̄ = 5,87 MPa) bending 0,13 MPa), high open porosity (36–37 %) water absorption (17–20 %), an important discussion on numerous heritage buildings built brick, well implications for artisanal process.