Bricks

Building Materials
CE-306
Bricks
Introduction
Structural units of rectangular shape and convenient size made from suitable types of clays
Introduction
Size of a modular brick : 19cm X 9cm X 9 cm
Introduction
Nominal size of a modular brick : 20cm X 10cm X 10 cm
Introduction
Weight of a brick: 3-3.5kg
An indent called frog, 12 cm deep, as shown is provided for 9 cm high bricks. The size of frog should
be 10 4 1 cm. The purpose of providing frog is to form a key for holding the mortar and therefore,
the bricks are laid with frogs on top.
Steps for manufacture of bricks :
Introduction
1. Preparation of clay
Introduction
2. Moulding
Introduction
2. Moulding
3. Drying
Introduction
2. Moulding
3. Drying
4. Burning
Introduction
2. Moulding
3. Drying
4. Burning
Composition of suitable brick earth/clay
1. Alumina (20-30%)
1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.
1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

clay more plastic,shrinkage cracks produced on drying, become too hard when burnt.

clay more plastic,shrinkage cracks produced on drying, become too hard when burnt. Less
alumina content makes it difficult to mould bricks to proper shape.

2. Silica (50-60%)

2. Silica (50-60%)Imparts hardness and strength. Provides resistance against shrinkage and
durability against weather. High proportion of silica makes it difficult to mould and also burn.
After burning they will become brittle and porous.

3. Iron oxides (4-6%)

3. Iron oxides (4-6%)Acts as flux. Lowers softening temperature of silica and other clay components during firing. Reduces permeability, improves durability and strength. Imparts characteristics red colour to the bricks.

3. Iron oxides (4-6%)Acts as flux. Lowers softening temperature of silica and other clay components during firing. Reduces permeability, improves durability and strength. Imparts characteristics red colour to the bricks.Excess makes the brick blackish in colour.Less iron oxide content
makes the bricks yellowish in colour.

4. Lime (4%)

4. Lime (4%)Reduces shrinkage on drying.
quicker.
Makes burning and hardening of bricks

quicker.Should not be more than 5% as it results in excessive softening of clays.

quicker.Should not be more than 5% as it results in excessive softening of clays.Must be present
in finely powdered and thoroughly dispersed form. Lime present as nodules it may give rise to
slaking which eventually causes disintegration.

5. Magnesia

5. Magnesia In small quantity it helps reducing warping and shrinkage. Excess leads to decay of
bricks.

5. Magnesia In small quantity it helps reducing warping and shrinkage. Excess leads to decay of
bricks.
Harmful Substances in Brick Earth
1. Lime :
1. Lime :Excess of lime changes the colour of the brick from red to yellow. When present in lumps,
it absorbs moisture, swells and causes disintegration of bricks.
2. Pebbles and gravels :
2. Pebbles and gravels :Do not allow the clay to be mixed thoroughly and spoil the appearance
of the brick. May crack while working.
3. Iron Pyrites :
3. Iron Pyrites :Oxidise and decompose the brick during burning. The brick may split into pieces.
Pyrites discolourise the bricks.
4. Alkali :
4. Alkali :Excess of alkali melt clay on burning and make bricks unsymmetrical. When bricks come
in contact with moisture, water is absorbed and the alkalis crystallise. On drying, the moisture
evaporates, leaving behind grey or white powder deposits which spoil the appearance. This
phenomenon is called efflorescence.
5. Organic matter :
5. Organic matter :On burning green bricks, the organic matter gets charred and leave pores
making the bricks porous; the water absorption is increased and the strength is reduced.
6. Sulphur :
6. Sulphur :If insufficient time is given during burning for proper oxidation of carbon and sulphur,
the latter will cause the formation of a spongy, swollen structure in the brick.
6. Sulphur :If insufficient time is given during burning for proper oxidation of carbon and sulphur,
the latter will cause the formation of a spongy, swollen structure in the brick.
Classification of Bricks based on Field Practice
First Class Bricks:

1. These are thoroughly burnt and are of deep red, cherry or copper colour.
2. The surface should be smooth and rectangular, with parallel, sharp and straight edges and
square corners.
3. These should be free from flaws, cracks and stones and have uniform texture.
4. No impression should be left on the brick when a scratch is made by a finger nail.
5. The fractured surface of the brick should not show lumps of lime.
6. A metallic or ringing sound should come when two bricks are struck.
7. Water absorption should be 1215% (not more than 20%)of its dry weight when immersed in
cold water for 24 hours.
8. The crushing strength of the brick should not be less than 10.5 N/mm2 .
Uses: First class bricks are recommended for pointing, exposed face work in masonry structures,
flooring and reinforced brick work.
contd.
Second Class bricks: They are supposed to have the same requirements as the first class ones
except that
1. Well burnt ,slight overburning is allowed.
2. Small cracks,irregularities in shape and distortions are permitted.
3. A metallic or ringing sound should come when two bricks are struck.
4. A little higher water absorption of about 1620%(not more than 22%) of its dry weight is allowed.
5. The crushing strength should not be less than 7.0 N/mm2 .

Uses: Second class bricks are recommended for all exterior work when plastering is done and for
interior walls.Not suitable for flooring.
contd.
Third Class bricks:

1. These are underburnt bricks .
2. They are soft and light-coloured producing a dull sound when struck against each other.
3. Appearance, shape and size are non uniform and irregular.
4. Water absorption is about 25 per cent of dry weight.
Uses : It is used for building temporary structures and in dry weather conditions.
contd
Fourth Class or Jhamma bricks:

1. These are overburnt and badly distorted in shape and size .
2. Quite strong in compressive strength generally above 15N/mm2 .
3. Low in porosity and water absorption.
Uses: Unfit for use in building construction.The ballast of such bricks is used for road construction,foundation and floors as coarse aggregate.
Characteristics of good brick
The essential requirements for building bricks are sufficient strength in crushing, regularity in size, a
proper suction rate, and a pleasing appearance when exposed to view.
1. Size and shape: The bricks should have uniform size and plane, rectangular surfaces with
parallel sides and sharp straight edges.
2. Colour:The brick should have a uniform deep red or cherry colour as indicative of uniformity in
chemical composition and thoroughness in the burning of the brick.
3. Texture and compactedness:The surfaces should not be too smooth to cause slipping of
mortar. The brick should have precompact and uniform texture. A fractured surface should not
show fissures, holes grits or lumps of lime.
4. The brick should be so hard that when scratched by a finger nail no impression is made.
5. When two bricks are struck together, a metallic sound should be produced.
6. Water Absorption: Water absorption should not exceed 20 per cent of its dry weight when
kept immersed in water for 24 hours.
7. Crushing Strength: Crushing Strength should not be less than 10 N/mm2
8. Brick earth should be free from stones, kankars, organic matter, saltpetre, etc.
Standard tests for bricks (IS-1077-1970)
Compressive Strength Test:(IS-3495-I)

1. Five whole bricks are chosen randomly from a lot of brick samples and immersed in water for
24hrs at room temperature.
2. After 24 hrs they are taken out,water is allowed to drain and surplus water cleaned.
3. Frogs are filled with 1:1 mortar, bricks are stored under damp sacks for 24hrs.
4. Bricks are placed in water for seven days.
5. Bricks are taken out of water to drain and remove surplus water.When surface dry each brick is
tested individually.
6. Bricks placed flat with frog end facing upward, between two plywood sheets, placed on the
testing machine and load applied axially at a uniform rate of 14 N/m2 per minute till failure
7. Comp. Strength =Load at failure /Average area of bed face
8. Arithmetic mean of the compressive strenth of 5 bricks is taken as the compressive strength of
the lot.
Water Absorption Test(IS-3495-II)
1. Five whole bricks are chosen randomly from a lot of brick samples
2. Samples are dried in a oven at 110o C. Time taken is about 48hrs.
3. Specimens are weighed individually after cooling.
4. Dried samples are immersed in water for 24hrs at room temperature.
5. After 24 hrs, the samples are taken out,wiped dry and weighed individually within three minutes
after taken out.
6. Absorption value is calculated by , w=
immersion.
w2 w1
w1
X100 ,w1 = dryweight ,w2 = weight after
7. Arithmetic mean of the water absorption of 5 bricks is taken as the water absorption of the lot.
Efflorescence Test(IS-3495-III)
1. Five whole bricks are chosen randomly from a lot of brick samples.Place each brick in a separate flat bottom dish containing distilled water.Depth of immersion of the bricks should not be
less than 2.5cm in each case.
2. The above dishes are kept in a warm room with adequate ventilation.Fresh distilled water is
added as the bricks appear dried.
3. At the end of second drying each brick is observed for efflorescence that is appearance of any
white patch of salt on the surface of the brick.
4. Efflorescence is reported by the following words as follows:
Serious : Salt deposition is all around and quite heavy

Heavy: Salt deposits cover more than 50% surface area
Moderate: Salt deposits cover more than 10 to 50% surface area
Slight: Salt covers surface area less than 10%
Nil: No deposits after repeated wetting .
Dimension test
20 pieces out of selected pieces are taken from the sample and are laid flat as shown
The tolerance for class A & B should be as given in the table

Dimension(mm)
Tolerance(mm)A/B
Length
3800
12/ 30
Width
180
6/ 15
Height
180
6/ 15
Warpage Test(IS-3495-IV)
Warpage of the brick is measured with the help of a flat steel or glass surface and measuring
ruler graduated in 0.5 mm divisions
The sample consists of 10 bricks from a lot.
For measuring concave warpage,the flat surface of the brick is placed along the surface to
be measured selecting the location that gives the greatest deviation from straightness. The
greatest distance of brick surface from the edge of straightness is measured by a steel ruler
The brick is place on the plane surface with the convex surface in contact with the flat surface
and the distances of four corners of brick are measured from the flat surface. The largest
distance is reported as warpage.
The higher of the distance measured in concave and convex warpage tests is reported as
warpage.
Different forms of bricks
Round ended and bull nosed bricks are used to construct open drains.
Cant brick, also called splay brick are most suitable for door and window jambs. Double cant
brick is used for octagonal pillars.
Cornice brick is used from architectural point of view.
Compass brick tapering in both directions along length used to construct furnaces.
Perforated brick is well burned brick, but is not sound proof. Hollow bricks are about l/3rd the
weight of normal bricks and are sound and heat proof, but are not suitable where concentrated
loads are expected.
loads are expected.
Coping bricks are used as the top most bricks course of parapets . These drain off the water
from the parapets.
loads are expected.
from the parapets.
Brick shown in is used at plinth level and for door and window jambs.
loads are expected.
from the parapets.
Split bricks: When cut along the length, it is called queen closer and when cut at one end by
half header and half stretcher, it is known as king closer.
loads are expected.
from the parapets.
Split bricks: When cut along the length, it is called queen closer and when cut at one end by
half header and half stretcher, it is known as king closer.
Pictures of different forms of bricks
round-ended
cant
double cant
cornice brick
round-ended
cant
double cant
cornice brick
round-ended
cant
double cant
cornice brick
round-ended
cant
double cant
cornice brick
round-ended
compass brick
cant
bull-nosed
double cant
perforated
cornice brick
hollow
round-ended
compass brick
cant
bull-nosed
double cant
perforated
cornice brick
hollow
round-ended
compass brick
cant
bull-nosed
double cant
perforated
cornice brick
hollow
round-ended
compass brick
cant
bull-nosed
double cant
perforated
cornice brick
hollow
round-ended
compass brick
coping bricks
cant
bull-nosed
used at plinth level
double cant
perforated
queen closer
cornice brick
hollow
king closer
Defects of bricks
Overburning
Defects of bricks
Overburning :Bricks should be burned at temperatures at which incipient, complete and viscous
vitrification occur. If overburnt, a soft molten mass is produced and the bricks loose their shape.
Defects of bricks
Underburning
Defects of bricks
Underburning:When bricks are not burnt to cause complete vitrification, the clay is not softened
because of insufficient heat and the pores are not closed. This results in higher degree of water
absorption and less compressive strength.
Defects of bricks
Bloating
Defects of bricks
Bloating:Observed as spongy swollen mass over the surface of burned bricks is caused due to
presence of excess carbonaceous matter, sulphur in brick-clay.
Defects of bricks
Efflorescence
Defects of bricks
Efflorescence:This defect is caused because of alkalies present in bricks. When bricks come
in contact with moisture, water is absorbed and the alkalis crystalise. On drying grey or white
powder patches appear on the brick surface.
Defects of bricks
Chuffs
Defects of bricks
Chuffs:The deformation of the shape of bricks caused by the rain water falling on hot bricks is
known as chuffs.
Defects of bricks
known as chuffs.
Laminations
Defects of bricks
known as chuffs.
Laminations: Caused by the entrapped air in the voids of clay. Laminations produce thin lamina
on brick faces which weather out on exposure.
Defects of bricks
known as chuffs.
Laminations: Caused by the entrapped air in the voids of clay. Laminations produce thin lamina
on brick faces which weather out on exposure.
Special Bricks
Burnt Clay Perforated Bricks(IS-2222)
Special Bricks

Perforated Bricks contain cylindrical holes throughout thier thickness,have high compressive
strength and less water absorption.
Special Bricks

These bricks are light in weight, require less quantity of clay and drying and burning of these
bricks is easy and economical.
Special Bricks

The direction of perforations can be vertical or horizontal.
Special Bricks

These are used in building walls and partitions. The area of perforations should not exceed 30
to 45% of the area of face.
Special Bricks

In case of rectangular perforations, larger dimensions should be parallel to longer side of the
brick.Dimension of perforation parallel to short side should not be more than 20 mm in case of
rectangular projection and 25 mm in case of circular projection.Area of each perforation should
not exceed 500mm2
Special Bricks

In case of rectangular perforations, larger dimensions should be parallel to longer side of the
brick.Dimension of perforation parallel to short side should not be more than 20 mm in case of
rectangular projection and 25 mm in case of circular projection.Area of each perforation should
not exceed 500mm2
Burnt Clay Hollow Bricks(IS-3952)
Hollow blocks, known as cellular or cavity blocks, are manufactured from a thoroughly ground,
lump free, well mixed clay mass of medium plasticity to allow moulding.
These are used to reduce the dead weight of the masonry and for exterior as well as partition
walls.
walls.
They also reduce the transmission of heat, sound and dampness.
walls.
Minimum average value should be 3.5 N/mm2. Strength of individual block should not fall below
the average value by more than 20 per cent.
walls.
Water Absorption should not be more than 20 per cent.
walls.
Water Absorption should not be more than 20 per cent.
Fire Clay /Refractory Bricks
Fire-clay bricks are made from fire-clay.

Fire-clay is a term applied, to include those sedimentary or residual clays which vitrify at a very
high temperature and which, when so burnt, possess great resistance to heat.are pure hydrated
silicates of alumina and contain a large proportion of silica 5575%, alumina 2035%, iron
oxide 25% with about 1 per cent of lime, magnesia and alkalis. The greater the percentage
of alumina, the more refractory the clay will be. Fire clays are capable of resisting very high
temperatures up to 1700C without melting or softening.

The colour of the brick is whitish yellow or light brown. The water absorption of fire-clay
bricks varies from 410%.The minimum average compressive strength of the bricks should
be 3.5N/mm2 .

be 3.5N/mm2 .
These are used for lining blast furnances, ovens, kilns, boilers and chimneys.

be 3.5N/mm2 .
These are used for lining blast furnances, ovens, kilns, boilers and chimneys.
Types of Fire Clay Bricks
Acid Refractory Bricks
Acid Refractory Bricksconsist of silica bricks (9597% silica and 12% lime) used in lining
furnaces having siliceous and acidic slag, steel industry and coke oven. The softening temperature ranges from 1700to 1800C. Silica bricks are hard and also possess good refractoriness
under load. But they have tendency to spall during rapid temperature change therefore, these
can not be used for lining of furnaces which have to be cooled and reheated frequently.
Basic Refractory Bricks
Basic Refractory Bricksconsist of magnesia bricks (magnesia min. 85%, calcium oxide max.
25% and silica max. 5.5%) and bauxite bricks (min 85% aluminium oxide and max 20% clay).
These are highly resistant to corrosion and are used for lining furnances having basic slag. Due
to high thermal expansion and consequent poor resistance to spalling the use of these bricks
is restricted to copper metallurgy and basic open hearth.
Neutral Refractory Bricks
Neutral Refractory Bricksconsist of chromite bricks (50% chrome and iron ore containing 30%
iron oxide and bauxite containing 15% aluminium and 5% silica), chrome magnesite bricks
(Cr2O3 18%, MgO 30%), spinel and forsterite bricks. The neutral refractory bricks are suitable
at places where acidic and basic linings are to be separated, e.g. for lining copper reverberatory
furnance.
Neutral Refractory Bricksconsist of chromite bricks (50% chrome and iron ore containing 30%
iron oxide and bauxite containing 15% aluminium and 5% silica), chrome magnesite bricks
(Cr2O3 18%, MgO 30%), spinel and forsterite bricks. The neutral refractory bricks are suitable
at places where acidic and basic linings are to be separated, e.g. for lining copper reverberatory
furnance.
Assignment
1. What are the constituents of good brick earth?

2. State the harmful ingredients in brick earth.
3. What are the characteristics of a good brick ?
4. Explain briefly the tests performed on bricks as per BIS.
5. Discuss the Classification of bricks.
6. What are the uses of various types of bricks?
7. Distinguish between First Class and Second Class Brick.
8. What are the defects of bricks.
9. Write shortnotes on (i) Bull nose brick (ii) Perforated bricks (iii) Hollow bricks (iv) Refractory/Fire
Bricks.
To be submitted on the next class.

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Building Materials

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Makes burning and hardening of bricks

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Composition of suitable brick earth/clay

1. Alumina (20-30%)Imparts plastic character to clays in wet condition.Excess alumina makes

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Harmful Substances in Brick Earth

Classification of Bricks based on Field Practice

First Class Bricks:

5. The crushing strength should not be less than 7.0 N/mm2 .

Third Class bricks:

Fourth Class or Jhamma bricks:

Characteristics of good brick

Standard tests for bricks (IS-1077-1970)

Compressive Strength Test:(IS-3495-I)

Water Absorption Test(IS-3495-II)

X100 ,w1 = dryweight ,w2 = weight after

Serious : Salt deposition is all around and quite heavy

The tolerance for class A & B should be as given in the table

Different forms of bricks

Different forms of bricks

Different forms of bricks

Different forms of bricks

Different forms of bricks