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The Alamparai Fort is a heritage site. The fort structure primarily consists of free standing tall brick walls surrounding a large area. The fort faced vagaries of adverse environment and war from 17th Century on the East Coast of Tamilnadu, India, and at present the walls are in dilapidated condition. There is a need for conservation of the structure to its past glory, which requires study on structural stability including assessment of present conditions of major materials used such as bricks and lime mortar. This study involved collection of intact brick samples without any damage but scattered on the floor; in-situ testing of intact bricks on the standing walls using non-destructive tests and carrying out laboratory testing of collected brick samples for assessment of strength characteristics. Comparison of test results with the old (heritage) and modern bricks were made such that suitable intervention could be proposed. The results show that modern bricks with similar or superior quality (color, composition, strength and matching with original bricks) could be used to a greater advantage. Further site investigations are required to assess foundation details, bearing capacity and stability calculations for each section or segment of the fort walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]