Author

W. TEMPLETON and G. J. EDGELL British Ceramic Research Limited
Abstract

The draft ISO test method for the compressive strength of masonry units includes as alternatives two methods of pretreating the surfaces of units so they achieve the required tolerances — grinding or mortar capping. This paper shows that the results of grinding or capping are linearly related over a wide range of brick strengths with ground specimens being significantly stronger than capped specimens.