Adobe is weaker than fired clay brick in compression and far weaker in tension and shear. A typical adobe brick reaches compressive strength of roughly 300 psi. A kiln-fired clay brick averages 1,500–10,000 psi. That gap is why traditional adobe walls are massive, often 18 to 24 inches thick. Modern codes also require concrete bond beams, steel rebar, and engineered footings when adobe is used structurally. Fired brick is also waterproof; adobe is not, which is why every traditional adobe house carries a plaster coat. Adobe wins on insulation and thermal regulation but loses on raw strength, water resistance, and seismic performance.
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