Types of bricks and their applications – Common terms in bricklaying.

Bricks have always played a crucial role in construction, and despite having been around for many years, their value has remained intact. With advancements and the expansion of the construction industry and industrial machinery, we now witness modern methods of producing bricks, such as using interlocking brick machines.

What is a Brick?

A brick is one of the earliest building materials used for constructing structures from ancient times to the present. Bricks are utilized in masonry for wall construction and even interior decoration. This building material has been known by different names in various languages.

What is Brick Soil?

Generally, the raw materials for various types of interlocking bricks can include clay, sulfate, limestone, silica, aluminum, sand, feldspar, iron salts, and residues from sand and gravel mines, among others.(Read about mine waste management solutions in this article)

What is the Difference Between Sun-Dried Bricks and Fired Bricks?

A brick, much like a sun-dried brick, is made from raw materials such as clay. The main difference between a fired brick and a sun-dried brick lies in the production process:

• Fired Brick: After molding, it is baked in a kiln.
• Sun-Dried Brick: After molding, it is dried and prepared for use in the sunlight.

Fired bricks are stronger and more durable.

What are the Uses of Bricks?

Handmade bricks have a fascinating history in ancient Iran. They were traditionally produced using various types of brick kilns. Over time, the types and production methods of bricks have undergone efficient and positive changes. In the present day, bricks come in a variety of colors, shapes, molds, and raw materials, and they are widely used in different construction fields. These diverse bricks have captured the attention of architects and the public alike.

5Uses of Bricks: From Construction to Facades

Here are the uses of bricks in construction:

• Partition Walls: Bricks are used in partition walls, interior decoration, and exterior facades due to their high resistance to moisture and temperature.
• Load-Bearing Walls: Bricks are used in load-bearing walls due to their suitable compressive strength and application in foundation construction.
• Staircase Construction: Bricks are used in building staircases of various sizes, decorative elements, and more.

• Large Span Structures: Bricks can be used in constructing arches, vaults, and domes to cover large spans.

• Flooring: Bricks are utilized in flooring due to their diverse dimensions, high wear resistance, and easy handling.

Today, given the advantages and applications of interlocking bricks, such as significantly reducing production and construction costs, ease of implementation, and high compressive strength, you can benefit from using these interlocking blocks in your construction projects.

What are the Types of Bricks?

In general, a brick is a building material whose main component is clay. Bricks come in various shapes and types, and they are considered essential materials for construction. Let’s get acquainted with the different types of bricks from the past to the present.

Classification Based on Standards

Facade Brick:

This type is directly used for facades, and does not require any additional coating or plastering. In the market, facade bricks are available in two conventional and tile-like models, which are distinguished into first and second grades based on their water absorption rate. (Considering the use of interlocking blocks, you can use them in various shapes and colors as a facade in your structure.)

Interior Bricks:

Interior bricks are used for general construction work and are categorized into two types: load-bearing and non-load-bearing. Furthermore, they can be classified as solid or perforated bricks.

Lightweight Bricks:

Lightweight bricks are made from clay materials with or without additives, molded, and fired. The air-entraining agents used in these bricks should not negatively affect their properties and characteristics over time. Additionally, their density can be up to a maximum of 1000 kg per cubic meter.

Lime Sand Bricks:

These bricks are made from a mixture of lime and silica sand or silicate, and are formed into solid or perforated shapes using heat and steam. They are categorized based on their compressive strength.

Concrete Bricks:

These are essentially solid cement blocks made from water, mineral aggregates, and Portland cement. Due to their compressive strength and water absorption properties, they are used for both interior and exterior applications, including flooring.

It might interest you to know that there are over 20 categories of bricks based on their shapes and applications.

Types of Bricks Based on Shape and Classification

Fortunately, with advancements in machinery, today with the presence of interlocking brick machines, you can easily produce bricks in various shapes without the need for firing kilns and benefit significantly from their profits.

How to Determine the Quality of Bricks?

To ensure the bricks you select are of good quality, consider the following:

• Neat shape and structure without chipping
• Uniform color
• Smooth texture without holes or protrusions
• Ringing sound when two bricks are struck together

Common Bricklaying Terms

In the construction industry, a variety of terms are commonly used to describe various aspects of building and construction practices. For example, when it comes to bricks, using specific terms can clarify their type and application. Below is a collection of widely-used terms in this domain:

1. Brick Arch
   A curved structural element constructed using bricks.

2. Chiseled Arch
   An arch made from bricks that have been shaped to resemble a mountain-like structure.

3. Springing Base
   The part of the structure that bears the pressure of an arch or vault.

4. Brick Corner
   The part of the structure created by joining the sharp edges of two bricks.

5. Base Mortar
   The mortar layer upon which bricks are laid.

6. Half Brick
   Half or one-third of a brick, typically used at the ends of walls or corners.

7. Jointing
   The process of leveling and smoothing the mortar applied to bricks by adding or removing excess mortar.

8. Vertical Brickwork
   The arrangement of fired bricks in a vertical layout along a wall.

9. Efflorescence
   White salt-like deposits that appear on bricks due to salt content in the soil and moisture seepage.

10. Broken Bond
    Instances where bricks in a row do not fit entirely and require the use of cut bricks.

11. Course
    A single row of bricks laid on a common layer of mortar.

12. Uniform Thickness
    The transverse gap maintained between two bricks for uniformity in mortar application.

13. Interlocking Bond
    A specific type of bonding pattern that enhances the stability and aesthetics of the structure.

14. Base Layer (Korsi)
    An indentation or projection located at the base of a wall.

Conclusion

This article aims to familiarize readers with critical terms and concepts related to bricks, their various types, applications, and more. If you have additional insights about these construction materials, feel free to share them with us!