Bricks

Introduction To Bricks As A Construction Material

Bricks are basic building blocks extensively used to construct walls and other building structures. Bricks are one of the oldest and most fundamental construction materials used in the building industry.

Bricks are versatile construction materials that have been used for thousands of years. They continue to be a popular choice for various types of construction due to their strength, durability, aesthetic appeal, versatility, heat, and thermal insulation properties.

Different types of bricks are now available on the market. However, traditional bricks are primarily composed of clay. Wet clay is molded into brick shapes and fired at high temperatures to create a strong and resilient building material.

In this introduction, we will explore the different types of bricks, technical properties and their use in brick masonry.

Bricks - Construction Material Basic Knowledge

Types Of Bricks

Different types of bricks are used in the construction industry for various projects. The selection of types of bricks best suited for the project depends upon several factors such as strength , properties and availability.

Red Clay Bricks

Clay bricks are one of the oldest and most commonly used building materials in the world. They have been used in construction for thousands of years and continue to be a popular choice due to their versatility, durability, and timeless appeal.

Clay bricks are made from natural clay that is molded into rectangular shapes and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process results in a sturdy and reliable red color construction material that has a wide range of applications in the building industry.

Clay bricks are a time-tested and versatile building material with a wide range of advantages. Some of the main advantages include high compressive strength, durability, thermal and sound insulation, and aesthetic appeal.

Their applications span across residential, commercial, industrial, and historical construction, making them a fundamental building block of the ecofriendly built environment.

Red Clay Hollow Bricks

Clay Hollow Bricks are manufactured with inbuilt hollow structure inside the brick body. Hollow bricks are a specific type of clay brick that has cavities or voids in their structure. These hollow spaces bring significant weight reduction. It also gives them unique properties and advantages compared to solid clay bricks.

Clay hollow bricks offer several advantages, including reduced weight, insulation properties, and versatility in design. They find applications in a wide range of construction projects, from residential to commercial, where these properties are beneficial.

These bricks also offer sound insulation properties. Their energy-efficient characteristics make them a valuable choice in modern construction, contributing to sustainability and cost savings over time.

Fly Ash Bricks

Fly ash bricks are a type of building material that is manufactured by using fly ash, a waste product from coal combustion, as a key ingredient. These bricks offer several advantages and are cheaper as compared to traditional bricks.

These bricks have gained popularity as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional clay bricks. Fly ash bricks can also be easily manufactured with simple machines by small-scale industries.

Fly ash bricks are lighter and stronger than clay bricks. Main ingredients include fly ash, water, quicklime or lime sludge, cement, aluminium powder, and gypsum. Autoclaving increases the hardness of the block by promoting quick curing of the cement. Gypsum acts as a long-term strength gainer.

They are particularly popular in regions where fly ash is abundantly available. Further, these bricks are manufactured with cement as the binding material and do not need any heat treatment. These bricks make a good choice where there is a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices.

In general, fly ash bricks are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional clay bricks. Their properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice for various construction projects, contributing to both economic and ecological benefits.