Geometric characterization of solid ceramic bricks for construction in Ecuador

Abstract

In Ecuador, about 95.9% of dwellings are built with masonry, however the local production of bricks does not meet technical standards and there is no scientific research on its geometric characterization and the technical state of their production. The geometric characterization of bricks is essential for the standardization of materials and constructions and allows the design of structures with a higher degree of accuracy. This research, conducted in 12 provinces of the 3 continental regions of the country, where 79% of the buildings are concentrated, studies for the first time the geometric characteristics of solid clay bricks in Ecuador. The results show that 67% of the brick production in Ecuador is artisanal and 98% of the factories do not comply with the technical standards for brick production. The authors present the characteristic dimensions of solid bricks produced in different regions of Ecuador. The results show a high variation in brick dimensions depending on the region, and even in a same province the dimensions depend on the factory, since its production does not comply with any standard. Ecuadorian standards regulating brick geometry need to be updated taking into account the real characteristics of the national brick production.