Introduction of Bricks

• Brick is most ancient and most recognized building materials.
• To develop brick, mould clay in square type blocks with identical sizes and then dry & burn these blocks.
• Standard size of bricks vary from 190mm.*90mm.*90mm. Or 200mm.*100mm.*100mm.(with mortar)
• Standard size -230mm.*110mm.*110mm. Or 230mm.*110.*75mm
• Weight of a single brick belongs to 3.5Kg. (Approx)

Categorization of Bricks

1. Unburnt Bricks

• The heat generated from sun light is used to dry these bricks as soon as the moulding process is completed.
• The bricks are mostly found in temporary and low-priced construction work.

2. Burnt Bricks

• Once moulding and drying process are finished, these bricks are burnt in a clamp or kiln.
• These bricks are solid, strong, long lasting and applicable in permanent construction works.
• These Bricks divided into 4 categories:- a) First Class Brick, b) Second Class Brick, c)Third Class Brick, d)Fourth Class Brick.

a) First Class Brick

• The bricks are moulded through table
• Properly burnt and regular in shape and size.
• Edges are piercing and properly demarcated.
• Consistent in colour.
• Water absorption capacity should not surpass 20%
• Lowest crushing strength is similar to 0.5 N/mm².

Applications of First Class Brick

• For pointing and uncovered face work.
• Flooring and reinforced brick work.

b) Second Class Brick

• These are moulded in ground
• Perfectly burnt and the shape and size are uneven.
• Edges are neither straight nor properly demarcated.
• Inconsistent in colour.
• Water absorption capacity does not surpass 22%
• Lowest crushing strength=7 N/mm².

Applications of Second Class Brick

• Concealed masonry work enclosed with plaster.
• Centering of reinforced brick work.

c) Third Class Brick

• It is moulded in ground
• Under-burnt and shape and size are inconsistent.
• Light yellowish The colour is light yellow.
• Edges are asymmetrical.
• Water absorption capacity does not surpass 25%
• Lowest crushing strength is 3.5 N/mm².

Applications of Third Class Brick

• Mostly useful for temporary building structure.

d) Fourth Class Brick

• Burnt excessively.
• Uneven in shape and size.
• Colour is gloomy.
• Solid and well-built.

Applications of Fourth Class Brick

• Ballast of such bricks are applied for foundation and floor.