Bricks
Brick
Brick is one of the oldest man-made building materials (Click here for an interesting pictorial history). This article will explore the forms in which brick is used today. Brick sizes, types of bonds, and mortar details are some topics you will read about.
Brick Composition
Ancient brick was kiln-fired clay or earth. But today, additives can be used to give brick special qualities. In the production of nearly all kinds of bricks, cement is used to provide a binding agent. Water is also added to mix everything together and to provide a workable mixture.
Types of Bricks
There are 3 types of bricks used in buildings.
- Facing Bricks - are used on the exterior of buildings as a cladding material. Many varieties offering different colors and textures are available.
- Engineering Bricks - have a high crush strength and low porosity. Available in Class A and Class B, they are often used in load-bearing applications, retaining walls, in the sewage system, etc.
- Building or Common Bricks - are generally used for below ground structures or structures that are not visible. These bricks are cheaper and of poor quality.
Brick Sizes
Size of a brick is dependent on the mold used to create it. Brick sizes can vary in different countries or regions. Some commonly used sizes are (length x width x height, measured in mm):
- CSR - 230 x 90 x 70
- Max - 257 x 90 x 79
- Ontario - 213 x 102 x 79
- Metric Modular - 190 x 90 x 57
- Metric Closure - 190 x 90 x 90
- Metric Jumbo - 290 x 90 x 90
Graphic presentation of all these brick shapes and sizes. Some other brick sizes.
Laying Bricks
When bricks are laid, some kind of pattern needs to be followed. For obtaining the best strength and/or appearance, certain standard bonds are used. The most commonly used bonds are:
The best way to understand these bonds is to see them graphically. A visual aid to Bonds will help, and further some terminology of bonds and bonds explained with dimensions.
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