Types of Bricks Used in Construction

Brick is a building product bonded with cement mortar during construction.

The product, which is available in clay, shale, sand, lime, and concrete, is widely used in construction due to its versatility and strength.

Different types of bricks available in the construction field are explained here.

1. Sun-dried clay bricks

These are ancient-type sun-dried clay or mud bricks. They are made using sun-baked moulds of mud. These bricks are then stacked and bonded with additional mud. They are not durable for construction and only used in adobe-style homes.

2. Burnt clay bricks

These are made by moulding wet clay into bricks and then burning them in a kiln. Available in classes 1 to 3, class one being the best quality, the usage of these bricks ranges from structural masonry wall to foundation and masonry column.

3. Sand lime bricks

Sand-lime bricks, or calcium silicate bricks, are made of fly ash, sand, lime, and optional pigments, and are pressure-moulded and chemically vitrified

They are fit for structural foundations, load-bearing applications, and exposed brickwork. When well-engineered, they can be used for decorative purposes.

4. Engineering bricks

Engineered bricks are designed for civil projects that require durability and weather resistance. Very high in the burning zone, these bricks, cured with extreme temperature, exhibit high compressive strength with very low porosity.

Available in classes A and B, they are suitable for civil projects requiring high compressive strength and low water absorption.

They are used in structures like sewers, retaining walls, manhole chambers, and underground areas where water and frost resistance is needed.

5. Concrete bricks

Concrete bricks are made by pouring concrete in a mould. Traditionally used as interior bricks, they are now also utilized for aesthetic purposes indoors. Hard and colourful, concrete bricks are very viable in any type of building.

6. Fly ash clay bricks

Fly ash clay bricks are made by subjecting clay and fly ash to high temperatures. They have improved fire resistance and are lighter. The calcium oxide in these bricks ensures self-cementation.

These bricks are commonly used for large walls, foundations, and thermal insulation, ostensibly reducing consumption of energy.

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Although not as dense as clay or concrete bricks, fly ash clay bricks should be handled with care since they have a slight expansion when wet.

7. Fire bricks

Fire bricks, or refractory bricks, are made by using silica and high aluminium oxide. This enables the bricks to withstand high temperatures, which makes them convenient for use in furnaces, kilns, ovens, or chimneys.

Benefits of bricks

There are many advantages offered by bricks as a building material:

• Aesthetic appeal: Bricks are available in a variety of colours and textures, thus augmenting the appearance of a particular project.

• Thermal insulation: Bricks moderate the temperature owing to their high heat capacity, thereby preserving the thermal efficiency of a building.

• Durability: Bricks are highly compressible, resistant to severe wearing and tearing for a long time, which makes a building more durable.

• Sustainability: Bricks are composed of green materials and are environmentally friendly, hence a sustainable building material for green construction.

• Fire protection: Bricks provide excellent protection against fire hazards, safeguarding structures as well as lives.

• Noise reduction: Bricks reduce noise, ensuring quiet interior spaces.

RELATED: Standard Brick Dimensions

Types of bricks

Bricks are categorized by facing, method of production, and use, which offers builders a variety of options for their projects.

• Facing vs. backing bricks

• Unfired vs. fired bricks

• Common vs. engineering bricks

In addition, bricks are available in various shapes such as veneers, air bricks, perforated bricks, bullnose bricks, paving bricks, capping bricks, and hollow bricks, each serving distinct construction needs.

FAQs

What kind of brick is used for houses?

Burnt clay bricks, fired in kilns, and unburnt clay bricks cured without heat, are ideal for house construction. Although burnt clay bricks dominate the market, unburned clay bricks are becoming popular due to their energy efficiency.

What is the strongest brick?

Class A engineering bricks are strong plumbing bricks, built for functionality with no special aesthetic attributes. They possess great comprehensive strength and minimal water absorption, making them ideal for underground projects.

What is the cheapest type of brick?

Machine-made bricks are cheaper compared to hand-made or hand-moulded bricks. Masons often use a stretcher bond, laying bricks lengthwise, which uses fewer bricks while cutting back on labour and timeline for construction.

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