Quick answer: The main bricks used in construction are sun-dried, burnt clay, concrete, fly ash, calcium silicate, engineering, eco, hollow and fire bricks. Burnt clay bricks are the usual choice for walls and come in four classes, with first class the best. A good brick is uniform, rings when struck and reaches at least 3.5 N/mm² at 28 days.
A home could be the island in which you can retreat to and get some relief. Therefore, as long as there is attachment it doesn’t really matter whether the house is big or small, whether it is a castle or a cottage. You can call that space your home where walls, roofs, doors, and windows are in place and most importantly your emotions and desires. The wall is one of the principal fundamental house elements; it may be structural or nonstructural. Thus, the correct selection of the types of bricks that are suitable for the construction of houses must be given proper consideration because; there is a rising number of bricks available in the markets such as sun-dried bricks, burnt clay bricks, concrete bricks, fly ash bricks and others.
In order to extinguish your confusion regarding the various kinds of bricks available in the construction market as well as the most appropriate types for a home, Walls and Dreams present a comprehensive guide on the types of bricks, what is brick, and the characteristics of good bricks.
Well, now that is clear, let’s start with what brick is.
What are Bricks?
Bricks refer to small rectangular shaped blocks that are used in the construction of home’s most significant structure; the walls. They usually consist of clay, sand, lime or concrete. They are used to lay pavements and walls and other structural related infrastructures in homes and buildings. They might also feature as a number of forms and kinds depending on the material used to make it or the purpose that it is going to serve. Widespread they are still used in constructions because of it’s heaviness, strength, and rather good fire specifications.
Different Types of Bricks Used in Construction
- Sun-dried bricks
- Burnt clay bricks
- Concrete bricks
- Fly ash bricks
- Calcium silicate bricks
- Engineering bricks
- Eco bricks
- Hollow bricks
- Fire bricks
Now the following types of bricks are available in civil engineering construction:
Different Types of Bricks
Sun-dried Bricks
This type of bricks is formed by molding clay and some other material like straw then leaving it to dry by exposure to sunlight. While these types of bricks are cheaper to burnt clay bricks they are used for temporary construction work, and not as strong and durable as burnt clay bricks.
Burnt Clay Bricks
Burnt clay bricks are made from clay which is moulded and then burned in a kiln at very high temperature as compared to mud bricks which are made from equal quantities of sand and clay which are mixed and molded and then dried in a sun. It is tough and resilient, thus popular in construction projects – especially in areas that have clay content. These types of bricks are divided into four categories:
- First Class Bricks: Table molding before firing and it is of superior quality. These structures are of equal dimensions, size and shape, uniformly grey in colour, have smooth, straight edges and make a clear metallic ring when impacted.
- Second Class Bricks: Compared to first-class bricks but they could be slightly off in terms of color or the shape. They are not appropriate for use on exposed walls.
- Third Class Bricks: Cast directly on the ground and burnt in tourniquets they are inferior in quality recognizable and used in temporary structures only.
- Fourth Class Bricks: Low quality, crushed and used in construction before quality assurance.
Concrete Bricks
Concrete bricks are produced from sand, cement, water and coarse aggregates and are hard, strong and can be able to stand the harshest of weathers. They are applied in creating paving slabs and in structures where they will be expected to support loads.
Fly Ash Bricks
These bricks derived from fly ash which is a waste product from coal fired power plants are environmentally friendly, strong and light for load bearing.
Calcium Silicate Bricks
Recalled also as sand-lime bricks, they are made by the use of sand and lime. They are light, sturdy and heat resistant, ideal in numerous construction activities.
Engineering Bricks
Aimed for use in columns, beams and similar construction requirements these bricks are sturdy, tightly knitted and resistant to chemical and water solvents.
Eco Bricks
An eco-brick is a small brick manufactured from waste materials such as plastic bottles and ranked as a green building material ranking inferior to normal bricks, applying to non-structural uses.
Hollow Bricks
Hollow bricks are less weighted, and installation takes less time; they are mostly utilized for construction of partition walls.
Fire Bricks
They are commonly known as refractory bricks and can bear high temperatures making them to be used on furnaces and chimneys.
Characteristics of Good Quality Bricks
If you are unsure about how to choose good quality bricks, consider the following characteristics:
- Uniformity is synonymous with regulation in terms of size and its characteristics.
- A shape with four straight sides and four straight angles.
- Surface glazing usually of cherry or deep red color with no variations.
- Harsh surface for improved integration of the mortar.
- Hardness – The disease should not be one that can be scratched easiy with fingernails.
- Must not break when it falls from a certain level.
- Not crackled, or pockmarked, or lumpy.
- A minimum of 3.5 N/mm² at 28 days for example.
- Gives a metallic echo like sound when hammered.
Conclusion
In this process of construction it becomes important to have a general understanding of the various brands of bricks that we have for construction. While comparing standard clay bricks with the new generation eco-friendly fly ash bricks, each one has its advantages regarding strength, durability and insulating properties. Also, bricks are available in different dimensions and this allows architects to have free reign when it comes to designing structures. Whenever you are planning to build a commercial structure or a residential one, it is important to note that the right type of brick will assist you achieve a building that can be durable, functional as well as related to your expectations.
To go deeper on individual types, see the burnt clay brick, laterite bricks and terracotta jali bricks. To choose between bricks and blocks, read brick versus cement blocks, and to estimate quantity see how many bricks a 9-inch wall needs. For your build, see our construction company page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of bricks used in construction?
Sun-dried, burnt clay, concrete, fly ash, calcium silicate (sand-lime), engineering, eco, hollow and fire bricks. Each is made from a different material and suits a different use, from temporary work and walls to partitions and furnaces.
Which brick is best for house walls?
Burnt clay bricks are tough and widely used for walls. The post also describes fly ash bricks as eco-friendly, strong and light enough for load-bearing work. Use first-class bricks wherever the wall will be exposed.
What are the four classes of burnt clay bricks?
First class bricks are moulded on a table, uniform in size and shape, with smooth straight edges and a clear metallic ring. Second class are slightly off in shape or colour and not suited to exposed walls. Third class are inferior and used only in temporary work. Fourth class are low-quality bricks.
How do I check the quality of a brick?
Look for uniform size, four straight edges and square corners, an even deep red colour, a rough surface for mortar to grip, and no cracks or lumps. It should not scratch with a fingernail, should not break when dropped from a height, and should ring like metal when struck.
What is the minimum strength of a good brick?
The post gives a minimum of 3.5 N/mm² at 28 days. Apart from strength, a good brick should not scratch easily with a fingernail, should not break when dropped from a height, and should not have cracks, pockmarks or lumps.
Where are hollow bricks and fire bricks used?
Hollow bricks are lighter and quicker to install, so they are mostly used for partition walls. Fire bricks, also called refractory bricks, can take high temperatures and are used in furnaces and chimneys.
