Maximum Brick Stacking Height: Investigating the Compression Strength of Bricks

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of determining the maximum number of bricks that can be stacked before the bottom brick is crushed. The idea of using bulk modulus for clay is brought up, but it is noted that this only applies to compression. The concept of compression strength is suggested as a starting point for analysis. A comparison is made to the height of the tallest brick building, the church of St.Martin in Landshut, which stands at 130 meters.
  • #1
nautica
I am trying to figure out how many bricks can be stacked before the bottom brick is crushed?

Not sure where to start - thinking about using bulk modulus for clay, but that only talks about compression, which I am sure there is a limit, but I am not sure how to find this.

Thanks
Nautica
 
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  • #2
For a first cut, the compression strength is all you need to look at. The force at any position is the sum of the weight of all of the bricks above it. The area is the cross sectional area of the stack.

How detailed an analysis do you need to do?
 
  • #3
nautica,
if you search for 'tallest brick building' on the web, one of the results will be the church of St.Martin in Landshut/Germany (130 m), see here:

www.st.martin-landshut.de
 

What is Compression Strength?

Compression strength is the ability of a material to withstand a compressive force without breaking or deforming permanently. It is a measure of the maximum stress a material can withstand under compression before it fails.

How is Compression Strength measured?

Compression strength is typically measured using a compression testing machine, which applies a compressive force to a material until it breaks or deforms. The maximum force applied before failure is recorded and used to calculate the compression strength of the material.

What factors affect Compression Strength?

The compression strength of a material can be affected by various factors, including the type and quality of the material, its shape and size, the rate of loading, and the temperature at which the test is performed. Other factors such as moisture content and the presence of defects or imperfections can also impact compression strength.

Why is Compression Strength important?

Compression strength is important in determining the load-bearing capacity of a material and its suitability for specific applications. It is especially important in construction and engineering industries, where materials must be able to withstand heavy loads and compression forces without failing.

How can Compression Strength be improved?

There are several ways to improve the compression strength of a material, including using high-strength materials, increasing the thickness or cross-sectional area of the material, and improving the design to distribute the load more evenly. Techniques such as reinforcing with fibers or changing the material's composition can also enhance its compression strength.

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