ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of brick masonry tests carried out in 14 historic buildings located on the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oswiecim. The average compressive strength of masonry, depending on the facility, has ranged from 5.3 MPa to 11.6 MPa. Masonry walls of the camp buildings have turned out to be an interesting example of a structure of very heterogeneous materials, erected to be temporary, characterized by significant deformations that due to the historical and martyrdom value should be preserved for future generations. Masonry buildings at the former extermination camp Auschwitz II—Birkenau were erected in the first half of 1941. All the structures located within the former camp Auschwitz II—Birkenau do not only have a heritage character but also martyrological. In 2012, accomplishment was commenced of a long-term programme under the name "Global Plan of Conservation", which comprises complex conservation activities with regard to preserving the camp facilities.
