Bricks- Basic Advantages
1. Aesthetic Appeal
2. Thermal & Acoustic Insulation
3. Zero Maintenance Cost
4. Fire Resistance
5. Flexible in Application
1. Aesthetic Appeal
Brick possesses natural and infinite pleasant colors of burnt clays. Its color formation is achieved through a complicated physio-chemical reaction during the firing process. In contrast to the color of stained body, brick color is permanent and will not fade during weathering process. Different clay compositions, firing temperatures, or kiln atmosphere can lead to different colors. By proper control of these factors, bricks can be made to exhibit endless variety of natural and attractive colors. Bricks' natural colors combined with the extreme flexibility in applications produce aesthetic results which are always personal and everlasting.
Brick possesses natural and infinite pleasant colors of burnt clays. Its color formation is achieved through a complicated physio-chemical reaction during the firing process. In contrast to the color of stained body, brick color is permanent and will not fade during weathering process. Different clay compositions, firing temperatures, or kiln atmosphere can lead to different colors. By proper control of these factors, bricks can be made to exhibit endless variety of natural and attractive colors. Bricks' natural colors combined with the extreme flexibility in applications produce aesthetic results which are always personal and everlasting.
2. Thermal & Acoustic Insulation
Thermal Insulation: Brick generally exhibits better thermal insulation property than other building materials like concrete. Perforation can improve the thermal insulation property of bricks to some extent. Besides, the Thermal Mass and moisture that the brick has absorbed can help to keep the temperature inside the house relatively constant. In other words, brick absorbs and releases heat slowly and thus keep the house cool during day-time and warm during night-time.
Acoustic Insulation: As far as acoustic insulation is concerned, brick wall provides good sound insulation property due to its dense structure. The thickness and density of brick will deaden noise transmission and will deflect noise from streets, neighboring homes, and jet planes. The sound insulation of brick work is generally accepted as 45 decibels for a 4 1/2 inches thickness and 50 decibels for 9 inches for the frequency ranges from 200 to 2,000 Hz.
Acoustic Insulation: As far as acoustic insulation is concerned, brick wall provides good sound insulation property due to its dense structure. The thickness and density of brick will deaden noise transmission and will deflect noise from streets, neighboring homes, and jet planes. The sound insulation of brick work is generally accepted as 45 decibels for a 4 1/2 inches thickness and 50 decibels for 9 inches for the frequency ranges from 200 to 2,000 Hz.
3. Zero Maintenance Cost
Clay bricks do not require maintenance. When you build a home, you might save money by using a substitute wall material. However, major exterior maintenance such as painting can cost much, depending on your home size. Clay brick may cost a little bit more cost initially, but the very first time that you paint, you might well spend more than the additional cost of the brick.
In addition, you do not need to worry the clay brick from rotting, denting, warping, rusting, splitting, peeling, fading, and termites. As your home gets older, it naturally becomes more beautiful.
Clay bricks do not require maintenance. When you build a home, you might save money by using a substitute wall material. However, major exterior maintenance such as painting can cost much, depending on your home size. Clay brick may cost a little bit more cost initially, but the very first time that you paint, you might well spend more than the additional cost of the brick.
In addition, you do not need to worry the clay brick from rotting, denting, warping, rusting, splitting, peeling, fading, and termites. As your home gets older, it naturally becomes more beautiful.
4. Fire Resistance
Fire resistance of a building material refers to the length of time a walling element is about to resist a fully developed fire. In every case, clay brick walls obtain maximum fire ratings. To the owner of a clay brick building, this means peace of mind and substantial savings over time on insurance premiums. Please refer to the table below for Design of Clay Brickwork for Fire.
Fire resistance of a building material refers to the length of time a walling element is about to resist a fully developed fire. In every case, clay brick walls obtain maximum fire ratings. To the owner of a clay brick building, this means peace of mind and substantial savings over time on insurance premiums. Please refer to the table below for Design of Clay Brickwork for Fire.
| DESIGN OF CLAY BRICK WORK FOR FIRE | ||
| Fire resistance period, (minutes) | Required material thickness for insulation (mm) | Maximum slenderness for structural adequacy |
| 30 | 60 | 25.0 |
| 60 | 90 | 22.5 |
| 90 | 110 | 21.0 |
| 120 | 130 | 20.0 |
| 180 | 160 | 18.0 |
| 240 | 180 | 17.0 |
6. Flexible in Application
The high compressive strength of fired clay bricks has been exploited for millennia to build structures ranging from single-storey huts to massive public buildings and enormous bridges and viaducts. In particular, it can be used for load bearing structures which greatly simplify the construction process so as to save materials, time, and labor. Besides, brick can be made into convenient shape and size to facilitate the construction work.
The high compressive strength of fired clay bricks has been exploited for millennia to build structures ranging from single-storey huts to massive public buildings and enormous bridges and viaducts. In particular, it can be used for load bearing structures which greatly simplify the construction process so as to save materials, time, and labor. Besides, brick can be made into convenient shape and size to facilitate the construction work.
Bricks Quality (Classification of bricks)
There are three types of bricks
- First Class Bricks
- Second Class Bricks
- Third Class Bricks
Specification of First Class Bricks
- Made of good earth which is free from saline deposits and are sand molded.
- Burnt thoroughly without being vitrified and have deep red, cherry and copper color.
- Regular and uniform in shape and size with sharp and square edges and parallel faces.
- Must be homogeneous in texture and emit a clear ringing sound on being struck together.
- Free from flaws, cracks, chops, stones and lime.
- Should not absorb water more than 20% of its own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
- Have a minimum crushing strength of 105 kg per sq. cm when tested according to the test.
- Should not show appreciable sign of efflorescence either in dry state or subsequent to soaking in water.
NOTE: As per guidelines of all wings of the Government, semi-Government departments and other construction departments, First Class Brick tiles should be used for construction works.
Specification of Second Class Bricks
Specification of Second Class Bricks
- They shall be well burnt or slightly over burnt.
- They must give clear ringing sound when struck.
- The may have slight irregularities in size, shape and color.
- They may have slight chips, flaws or surface crack but must be free from lime or kankar.
- The minimum crushing strength of second class brick should be 70 kg per sq cm.
Specification of Third Class Bricks
- These bricks are slightly under burnt or over burnt.
- They are not uniform in shape, size and edges.
- They shall not observe water more than 25% of their own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
- They have some signs of efflorescence.
