Bricks

Introduction

Bricks

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.
• Small rectangular blocks that can be used to form parts of buildings, typically walls.

• During the Industrial Revolution, mass-produced bricks became a common alternative to stone.

• Used for the construction of walls and paving and for more complex features such

as columns, arches, fireplaces and chimneys.

What size are bricks?

In the UK, standard bricks are 215 mm long × 102.5 mm wide × 65 mm high.

What are bricks made of?

Bricks are most typically made from clay, although they are also commonly made from calcium-silicate
and concrete.

Soft mud or dry-press bricks are formed by pressing the brick mixture into moulds and then firing them in
a kiln. Soft-mud bricks are made from a thin mix whereas dry-press bricks are made from a thicker mix
that gives crisper definition.

Extruded Bricks – formed by pushing the brick mixture through a die to create an intrusion that is then
wire cut to produce bricks of the required length.

Parts of Bricks
Frog - an indention in a brick that can be on one or two surfaces. The frog must be filled with mortar when
bricks are laid, otherwise the structural, thermal and acoustic performance of the wall will be affected.

Arrises – edges formed by the intersection of the faces of the bricks.

Header Face – a brick laid flat with the short end of the brick exposed.

Stretcher Face – a brick laid horizontally, flat with the long side of the brick exposed on the outer face of a
wall.

Bed – horizontal layer of mortar where brick or stone units are laid.

Properties of Bricks

1. Hardness of Bricks – A good quality brick will have resistance against abrasion. Helps to give
permanent nature of brick structure.

2. Compressive Strength of Bricks – is the property of brick which represent the amount of load
carried by brick per unit area.

3. Absorption of Bricks – bricks are generally absorbs water but having limits.
Testing Bricks

1. Compressive Strength Test – A sample brick is place on a compression testing machine and
pressure is applied until it fails.

2. Water Absorption Test – Bricks are weighed in their normal dry condition and then immersed in
fresh water for 24 hours.

3. Efflorescence Test – a crystalline, salty deposit that can occur on the surfaces of bricks.

The ranges that should be followed are:

 • 10% of brick surface: Acceptable range

• 50% of brick surface: Moderate range

• 50% of brick surface: Severely affected by alkalis.

4. Hardness Test – The brick surface is scratched.

5. Size, shape and colour test – Twenty bricks chosen at random are stacked lengthwise, width-
wise and height-wise, and inspected for uniformity of shape, size and colour.

6. Soundness Test – Two bricks are held in each hand and struck together.

7. Structure Test – A sample brick is broken and carefully inspected.

Types of Bricks Used in Masonry Construction

1. Sun-Dried or Unburnt Clay Bricks – less durable and for temporary structures.

3 Preparation of Unburnt bricks: Clay, Molding, and Drying

2. Burnt Clay Bricks – good quality bricks but however they also consist some defected bricks.

4 Classes of Burnt Clay Bricks

• First class bricks – are good quality bricks compared to other classes.
• Second class bricks – are moderate quality bricks and they are molded by ground-molding
process. These bricks are also burnt in kilns.

• Third class bricks – poor quality bricks which are generally used for temporary structures like
unburnt bricks.
 • Fourth class bricks – very poor quality bricks and these are not used as bricks in the structure.

3. Fly Ash Bricks – manufactured using fly ash and water. These bricks have better properties than
clay bricks and great resistant to freeze thaw cycles. It is also called as self-cementing brick.
4. Concrete Bricks – manufacturing using concrete with ingredients as cement, sand, coarse
aggregates and water. Concrete bricks are used for construction of masonry and framed
buildings, façades, and fences.

5. Engineering Bricks – have high compressive strength and are used special applications.
Commonly used for basements.
 6. Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks – are made of sand and lime and known as sand lime
bricks.

Classification of Bricks Based on Shape

1. Bullnose Brick – molded into round angles.

2. Airbricks – these bricks contain holes to circulate air.

3. Channel Bricks – They are molded into the shape of a gutter or channel.

4. Brick Veneers – These bricks are thin and used for cladding.
5. Cow Nose Bricks – Bricks having double bullnose.

Common Types of Brick Bonds

1. Running bond – the most common type if brick pattern. It is simple and straightforward.

2. Stack bond – in a stack bond the bricks are literally stacked on top of each other and held by
mortar.

3. English Bond – English bond is one of the oldest forms of brick bonding.
4. Flemish Bond - Flemish bond is another traditional pattern where stretchers and headers are laid
alternately in a single course.