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Compressive Strength of Bricks Testing

The document outlines a lab lecture on the compressive strength of bricks, detailing its importance in assessing their quality and suitability for various structural applications. It includes the procedure for testing compressive strength using a Compression Testing Machine, as well as standards and classifications for different types of bricks based on their strength. The classifications range from first class bricks suitable for load-bearing structures to over burnt bricks which are not used in masonry.

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Muhammad Hassan Baig
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4 views8 pages

Compressive Strength of Bricks Testing

The document outlines a lab lecture on the compressive strength of bricks, detailing its importance in assessing their quality and suitability for various structural applications. It includes the procedure for testing compressive strength using a Compression Testing Machine, as well as standards and classifications for different types of bricks based on their strength. The classifications range from first class bricks suitable for load-bearing structures to over burnt bricks which are not used in masonry.

Uploaded by

Muhammad Hassan Baig
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

National University of Sciences & Technology

Balochistan Campus

Lab Lecture No. 8

Civil Engineering Materials


(CE -115)

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


NUST Balochistan Campus (NBC)
NUST Balochistan Campus

Compressive Strength of Bricks


Objective:
To determine the compressive strength of bricks and to discuss their suitability for
different structural purposes.
Theory:
Bricks are among the most widely used construction materials in civil engineering.
They form the primary load-bearing and structural elements in masonry
construction. Therefore, assessing their compressive strength is a key indicator of
their quality, durability, and suitability for various applications.
Compressive strength is the maximum axial load a brick can withstand before
failure or crushing. It represents the brick’s ability to resist compressive forces, the
primary forces acting on walls, columns, and foundations.
The test is based on subjecting the brick to a gradually increasing compressive load
using a Compression Testing Machine (CTM).
It is one of the most important quality tests for bricks.

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
2
NUST Balochistan Campus

Standard:
BS 3921: 1985 (British Standard for Clay Bricks)
ASTM C67 (Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay
Tile)
Apparatus:
A Balance (accurate to 0.1g)
Clean and dry Brick samples
Compression testing machine (CTM)
Vernier Calipers

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
3
NUST Balochistan Campus

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
4
NUST Balochistan Campus

Procedure:
 Select bricks that are representative of the batch, ensuring they are free of cracks,
chips, or deformities.
Calculate the cross-sectional area of the brick on which the load will act (Length ×
Width).
 Place the brick flat on the compression machine with the load applied centrally
along the face.
Ensure that the surfaces in contact with the compression plates are parallel to
prevent eccentric loading.
Gradually apply the compressive load using the machine at a constant rate
(typically, 10 N/mm² per minute)
Continue to apply the load until the brick fails (cracks or breaks).
Record the maximum load and compressive strength of the brick at failure.

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
5
NUST Balochistan Campus

Observation and Calculation:

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
6
NUST Balochistan Campus

General Classification:

Brick Type/ Class Compressive Strength Application


Requirement

First Class Bricks ≥ 10 MPa Load-bearing walls, columns,


foundations, important masonry
Second Class Bricks 7.5 – 10 MPa Internal walls, partitions, less
critical structures
Third Class Bricks 3.5 – 7.5 MPa Temporary structures, rural
constructions with low load
Over Burnt Bricks < 3.5 MPa Not used in masonry — only as
crushed aggregate or road sub-
base

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


Department of Civil Engineering
7
National University of Sciences & Technology
Balochistan Campus

Thank you!

Engr. Muhammad Yaseen


NUST Balochistan Campus (NBC)
8

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