Influence of pores on the failure of structural ceramic blocks

The main goal of this work is to investigate the features of pores of structural ceramic blocks which determine their process of failure under compression. Eighteen ceramic blocks were subjected to compression up to failure. Samples were removed from specific blocks according to the results of the compression tests in order to characterize their microstructure. Investigation of microstructure was carried out by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Analyzing the results it was possible to identify the existence of a basic relationship between shape, distribution and alignment of pores present in the microstructure and the process of failure under compression.