Bricks
Different types of bricks are used in masonry construction
based on material such as clay, concrete, lime, fly ash etc.
Filed field identification of bricks for their properties, uses
and suitability for different construction works are
important.
A brick is an important construction material which is
generally available in rectangular shape manufactured
from clay. They are very popular from olden days to
modern days because of low cost and durability.
Types of Bricks used in Masonry Construction
Based on the manufacturing process, bricks are broadly
classified into two types,
1. Sun-Dried or unburnt bricks
2. Burnt bricks
1. Sun-Dried or Unburnt Clay Bricks
Sun-dried or unburnt bricks are less durable and these are
used for temporary structures. Unburnt bricks
preparation involved in 3 steps they are preparation of
clay, moulding and drying.
After moulding, bricks are subjected to sunlight and
dried using heat from sun. So, they are not that much
strong and they also have less water resistance and less
fire resistance. These bricks are not suitable for
permanent structures.
2. Burnt Clay Bricks
Burnt bricks are good quality bricks but however they also
consist some defected bricks. So, burnt bricks are
classified into four types and they are
First class bricks
o Second class bricks
o Third class bricks
o Fourth class bricks
o First Class Bricks
First class bricks are good quality bricks compared to
other classes. They are molded by table-molding and
burnt in large kilns. So, these bricks contain standard
shape, sharp edges and smooth surfaces.
They are more durable and having more strength. They
can be used for permanent structures. However, because
of their good properties they are costly than other
classes.
Second Class Bricks
Second class bricks are moderate quality bricks and
they are moulded by ground-moulding process. These
bricks are also burnt in kilns. But because of ground
moulding, they do not have smooth surfaces as well as
sharp edges.
The shape of bricks also irregular due to unevenness in
ground. These also will give best results in strength and
durability. Smooth plastering is required on the brick
structure.
Third Class Bricks
Third class bricks are poor quality bricks which are
generally used for temporary structures like unburnt
bricks. These are not suitable for rainy areas. They are
ground-moulded type bricks and burnt in clamps. The
surface of this type of bricks is rough and they have unfair
edges.
Fourth Class Bricks
Fourth class bricks are very poor quality bricks and these
are not used as bricks in the structure. They are crushed
and used as aggregates in the manufacturing of concrete.
They are obtained by over burning, because of this they
gets overheated and obtains brittle nature. So, they can
break easily and not suitable for construction purpose
3. Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash bricks are manufactured using fly ash and water. These bricks
have better properties than clay bricks and great resistant
to freeze thaw cycles. These bricks contains high
concentration of calcium oxide which is used in cement
production, thus it is also called as self-cementing brick.
Fly ash bricks are lightweight and thus it reduces self
weight of structures.
The advantages of fly ash bricks over clay bricks are that
they have high fire insulation, high strength, uniform sizes
for better joints and plaster, lower water penetration,
does not require soaking before use in masonry
construction.
4. Concrete Bricks
Concrete bricks are manufacturing using concrete with
ingredients as cement, sand, coarse aggregates and water.
These bricks can be manufactured in sizes as required.
The advantages of using concrete bricks over clay bricks
are that they can be manufactured at construction site,
reduces quantity of mortar required, can be
manufactured to provide different colors as pigmented
during its production.
Concrete bricks are used for construction of
masonry and framed buildings, facades, fences, and
provide an excellent aesthetic presence.
5. Engineering Bricks
Engineering bricks have high compressive strength and
are used special applications where strength, frost
resistance, acid resistance, low porosity is required. These
bricks are commonly used for basements where chemical
or water attacks are prevalent and for damp proof
courses.
6. Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks
Calcium silicate bricks are made of sand and lime and
popularly known as sand lime bricks. These bricks are used
for several purposes in construction industries such as
ornamental works in buildings, masonry works etc.
Identification of Bricks Quality at Construction Site
To build a good quality structure, observing quality of
materials is important. Here we discuss about how good
bricks are identified at construction site.
o The colour of bricks should be bright and uniform.
o They should be well burned and having smooth surfaces and sharp
edges.
o Thermal conductivity of bricks should be less and they should be sound
proof.
o They shouldn’t absorb more than 20% by weight when we placed it in
water.
o When we struck two bricks together, ringing sound should be
delivered.
o Structure of bricks should be homogeneous and uniform.
o The bricks should not break when we dropped it form 1m height.
o There should not be any scratch left on the brick when
we scratched with finger nail.
o There should not be any white deposits on brick, when we
soaked it in water for 24 hrs.
Properties of Bricks
o Following are the properties of bricks which
represents the importance of bricks in construction.
i. Hardness ii. Compressive strength iii. Absorption
Hardness of Bricks
o A good quality brick will have resistance against
abrasion. This property is called hardness of brick
which helps to give permanent nature of brick
structure. Because of this property bricks do not
damaged by scraping.
Compressive strength of Bricks
Compressive strength or crushing strength is the property
of brick which represent the amount of load carried by
brick per unit area. According to BIS the minimum
compressive strength of brick should be 3.5N/mm2.
Crushing strength of bricks reduced when they are soaked
in water.
Crushing strength of Bricks Grades
7 – 14 N/mm2 Class A
>14N/mm2 Class AA
Absorption of Bricks
Bricks are generally absorbs water but having limits.
Absorption limit percentage by weight for different
classes of bricks is tabulated below.
Class of Bricks Water Absorption % by weight
Heavy duty bricks (special made) Only 5%
First class 20%
Second class 22%
Third class 25%
Uses of Different Types of Bricks
Bricks are widely used in construction industry for
different purposes as following.
o Good quality bricks (1st and 2nd class) are used in the
construction of buildings, tunnels, pitching works etc.
o 3rd class and unburnt bricks are used for temporary structures.
o 4th class bricks are used as aggregate for making concrete.
Bricks are also used for architectural purposes to give
aesthetic appearance to the structure.
