Posted By:Infra Bazaar
How many times have we heard, ‘that the core should be strong? In the world of construction, the core is synonymous with bricks. As that is truly the core of any structure. There are many types of bricks available in the market but can they be used for any or every purpose? Infra Bazaar helps you explore
For better understanding let's run through the basics of bricks
What we love about bricks:
Durable and long-lasting
Fireproof, usually tolerant to increased temperatures
Customisable
Easy availability
Can be Eco friendly
Pocket friendly
Problems with individual bricks can be solved without having to bring the entire building down
Things we should be mindful of:
Longer construction periods
Can break under high pressure
Reduced airflow as they absorb a lot of water
Standard Brick Size for Indian consumers:
Brick size and colours usually differ from country to country according to the climates and local materials. What is the standard Brick size in India? It is 190mm x 90mm x 90mm in accordance with the BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards' proposal. The size becomes 200 x 100 x 100 mm with the mortar.
Brick Orientations:
It is the pattern in which the bricks are laid which plays an important role in structure and aesthetics.
Types:
1. Stretcher Bond
2. Header Bond
3. Flemish Bond
4. Scottish Bond
5. American Bond
Header orientation is considered to be the strongest brick bond in construction.
Quality of Bricks: Choosing the right kind of brick can be overwhelming, here are a few tests that can be performed on-site and/or can be sent to labs for quality checks.
Clap Test: To find out the reaction of bricks against the sudden impact a clap test is done. If bricks are knocking against each other it must give a clear ringing sound without cracks.
Drop Test: To test the quality, drop it from 4M height. If it's not breaking then you can be certain it is of good quality.
Shape and Colour Test: It should have sharp edges, uniformity in size & colour is imperative if you want consistency. Take a few bricks and stack them to check it out.
Compressive Strength of Bricks: This is done to understand the load carrying capacity under compression, by using the compression testing machine.
Types of Commonly available Bricks and Prices:
Red Bricks: Great insulators, durable and can withstand extreme climatic conditions.
Cost: Rs 3 to Rs 4 per red brick
Hollow Bricks: Also called cellular bricks or cavity bricks as they are hollow inside.
Cost: Largely variable
Fly Ash Bricks: Best for the construction of walls and pillars. It has class C or F fly ash, a by-product of burned coal.
Cost: Rs 20 to Rs 50 per hollow brick
Concrete Bricks: Manufactured using cement, sand and water. Can also be easily manufactured on-site.
Cost: Rs 8 per concrete brick
Engineering Bricks: Has strength, while being resistant to cold and fire.
Cost: Rs 10 per brick
Wire Cut Bricks: Lowest in terms of cost, usually used for beautification with no need for plastering.
Cost: Rs 10 per brick
Interlocking Bricks: They are strong, durable and require lesser maintenance compared to standard bricks.
Cost: Largely variable
NOTE: Prices mentioned are as of Aug 2022
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