Just learned a wild stat about old brick strength

Was reading through an old masonry trade journal from the 1920s I picked up at an antique store for $5. Turns out a lot of those hand-fired bricks from back then actually hit compressive strengths around 10,000 psi while modern common bricks often sit closer to 3,000-5,000 psi. The difference is wild because the old kiln temps were so inconsistent. Makes me wonder how many of those old buildings we tear down are actually way stronger than what we put up now. Anyone else ever test old reclaimed brick against new stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

abby_scott11d ago

Bricks from back then were tougher than me trying to convince my contractor to stop charging me for "handling fees" on a pallet I'm already buying. Now I'll be hoarding old brick piles like a weirdo.

sam_anderson11d ago

Tbh that handling fee thing is ridiculous. Next time tell them you'll handle the pallet yourself with a forklift and save that $50.