Durability of clay bricks 1
The best indicator of a product’s durability performance in any application is at least 5 years’ satisfactory performance in the application concerned.
A single global value of compressive strength alone is not an adequate criterion for a product’s likely durability in an exposed application. The present minimum requirement for facing of 17MPa average compressive strength fails to cater for the requirements of var ying exposure zones.
Currently, a direct determination of durability does not exist in the form of a proven accelerated weathering test or some other per formancebased evaluation, although a programme of research and of measuring the per formance of products is ongoing.
Durability is the ability of a material to withstand the combined effects of the weathering agents of moisture, soluble salts, frost and thermal changes.
Exposure is the severity of these weathering actions, varying from mild to severe, and depending on both regional geographic conditions, and microclimatic conditions with regard to the building’s height and the material’s position within the building.
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The best indicator of a product’s durability performance in any application is at least 5 years’ satisfactory performance in the application concerned. |