Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Brick Raw Materials Fired at Different High Temperatures: A Case Study of Erzincan and Tokat Provinces

Turan A. İ., Çelik A.

Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, cilt.13, sa.1, ss.1-13, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

This study investigates the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of clay soils used in brick production in the provinces of Erzincan and Erbaa (Tokat) under elevated temperatures. Cylindrical specimens (38 × 76 mm) were prepared from raw materials obtained from both regions and tested under three thermal conditions: unfired, fired at 600 °C, and fired at 900 °C. The firing processes were conducted in a solid-fuel Hoffmann kiln to simulate realistic field production conditions. Based on the load-displacement curves obtained from the experiments, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, and maximum load values were determined. Results indicate that unfired specimens exhibit low loadcarrying capacity due to their porous structure. Increasing temperature enhanced the sintering effect and improved mechanical performance. Tokat specimens showed higher strength and stiffness with a more brittle response, whereas Erzincan specimens exhibited comparatively more ductile behavior.