What is  a Brick?

A brick is a type of block which is generally used to construct walls, boundaries, pavements and such other structures in masonry construction.

Brick means clay block dried with the sun or by fire (now a days fired bricks, cement bricks are used).

This time many types of blocks are available to use instead of clay bricks. Bricks can be joined to make structure by using adhesive materials, mortar or interlocking them with each other.

Bricks are available in many classes with varieties of size depending upon time period, places of manufacture and its uses.

Classification of Bricks - Types of Bricks in Construction

We are here to know detailed classification of bricks and types of bricks in masonry works. Read in detailed about types of bricks and its classification, mortar, uses of bricks, strength of bricks, how to check a brick at site and some bricks related answers.

Classification of Bricks- Types of Bricks

1. Sun-Dried Clay Bricks (Un-Burnt Clay Bricks)
2. Burnt Clay Bricks
3. Over Burnt or Jhama Bricks
4. Concrete Bricks
5. Fly Ash Bricks
6. Engineering Bricks
7. Fire Bricks
8. Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks

Bricks Classification- Based on Burning

Based on burning there are three types of bricks

1. Sun-Dried Clay Bricks (Un-Burnt Clay Bricks)
2. Burnt Clay Bricks
3. Over Burnt or Jhama Bricks

Sun-Dried Clay Bricks

• Sun-dried clay bricks are also called unburnt clay bricks.
• This type of bricks are moulded and kept in the Sun light to dry and become hard. 
• These bricks are weaker than burnt clay bricks, also they can much water and become loose. 
• Durability of sun-dried bricks is very less so they are not used in permanent structures, they are used in some temporary structures.

Burnt Clay Bricks

• Burnt clay bricks are moulded and kept in the kiln for burning, so these becomes very hard.
• These are good quality bricks but some defected bricks can be detected in that lot. 
• There are categorized in four classes.

1. First Class Bricks
2. Second Class Bricks
3. Third Class Bricks
4. Fourth Class Bricks

Over Burnt or Jhama Bricks

• Over burnt or Jhama Bricks are also known as vitrified bricks because they are fired at high temperature for a long period of time compare to other bricks.
• So, the shape of the brick is destroyed and strength becomes equal or more than first class bricks.
• Its water absorption capacity becomes high.
• It is basically used in foundation works or broken pieces as coarse aggregate in concrete for slab or beam which will not be in the contact or water.

First Class Bricks

• First class bricks are quality bricks with excellent edge over other classes of bricks. 
• Also they are costlier than other class bricks. 
• These are table-moulded and wire-cut bricks, So they have standard shape, size, sharp edges and smooth surfaces.
• After moulding they are kept in large kiln to be burnt and become hard.
• First class bricks having more strength, more durability.
• They are widely used in permanent structures.
• They are uniform in shape, size, deep red or copper coloured.
• Compressive strength of first class brick is 10 N/mm² or 105 kg/cm².
• Its water absorption after 24 hours submerged in water is generally 12 to 15% of its dry weight.

Second Class Bricks

• Second class bricks are moderate quality bricks and they are cheaper than first class.
• They are table- moulded or ground moulded bricks burnt in large kiln.
• Due to some effects like over burning or low supervision on first class bricks they becomes second class.
• They have hair cracks on surfaces, irregular shape & size, brittle edge, rough & uneven faces due to ground- moulding.
• Its also good strength and durable brick with uniform yellowish red colour.
• Its used in inner walls with coating or plastering.
• Compressive strength of second class brick is 7.5 N/mm² or 75 kg/cm².
• Its water absorption after 24 hours submerged in water is generally 18 to 20% of its dry weight.

Third Class Bricks

• Third class bricks are poor quality bricks. 
• They are moulded and burnt in clamp (traditional method of baking bricks) so they becomes better than sun-dried bricks but under burnt.
• They have rough surfaces and and unfair edges with soft and light red colored.
• These bricks are used in temporary wall, non- load bearing wall or boundary walls etc.
• Compressive strength of third class brick is 3.5 to 6.5 N/mm² or 35 to 65 kg/cm².
• Its water absorption after 24 hours submerged in water is generally 22 to 25% of its dry weight.

Fourth Class Bricks

• Fourth class bricks are poor quality bricks like unburnt bricks which are not used in construction.
• These bricks are also called rejected bricks.
• They have non uniform shape, size and colour.
• These bricks are used as filling materials.
• In future these bricks were converted into powder to wearing coat of terrace called Surkhi.
• Compressive strength of fourth class brick is 1.5 to 2.5 N/mm² or 15 to 25 kg/cm².

Other Types of Bricks

Concrete Bricks

• Concrete bricks are manufactured by using concrete materials like cement, coarse aggregates, fine aggregate, water and some other additives when needed.
• It can be produced in any required shape and size.
• Concrete bricks can be manufactured at site too.
• It required less amount of mortar in masonry work compare to other bricks. Also, it can be produced in verities of colours by using pigments at manufacturing time.
• Due to colour of bricks they are used for beautiful appearance of structure.
• Also, concrete bricks are used in construction of masonry and framed building walls, front head of building and fences etc.

Fly Ash Bricks

• Fly ash bricks are manufactured by using industrial waste materials like fly ash, sand or stone dust, sludge or hydrated lime, gypsum, water and sometimes cement too. 
• They are also known as self cementing bricks because it contains high amount of calcium oxide which is used in cement production.
• These bricks are great resistance to freeze thaw cycles. Also these bricks are high fire resistance compare to normal clay bricks.
• Fly ash bricks are lightweight brick so self-weight of structure is reduced.
• Compressive strength of fly ash brick is approx 10 N/mm².
• These bricks do not required soaking before masonry work, Since these bricks are smooth and uniform in size so 40 to 50% masonry is saved.

Engineering Bricks

• Engineering bricks are made by some specific manufacturing process so they have high strength, low porosity or less water absorption, acid resistance or fuel gas resistance, more durability.
• They are used in foundation, footing, basement, also they are used where water resistance and (or) chemical resistance required.
• Engineering bricks are also used in damp- proof course (DPC).
• There are two type of engineering bricks-

Type-A Engineering Bricks

They having minimum 125 N/mm² compressive strength and maximum 4.5% water absorption.

Type-B Engineering Bricks:

They having minimum 75 N/mm² compressive strength and maximum 7% water absorption.
Mostly second class engineering bricks are used.

Fire Bricks

• Fire bricks or firebricks are also known as refractory bricks made by ceramic materials (Silica, alumina, bauxite, magnesite and cromite etc) to withstand high temperature but also having low thermal conductivity for energy efficiency.
• They are used in chimney, lining furnaces, kilns, firebox, boiler and some fire places.
• They are costly and capable in high water absorption.
• They are stable when rapidly changes occurs in temperature.

Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks

• Sand lime or calcium silicate bricks are manufactured by sand and lime. It is also known as flint lime bricks.
• They are hardened by chemical process.
• They are produced in various colours so they are colourful.
• They have low abrasion value so they cannot use in wearing surfaces like pavement or side walk pavement.
• These bricks may shrink after placing them so required special considerations.
• Sand lime bricks improve the acoustic.
• Compressive strength of sand lime brick is approx 10 N/mm².
• They perform good against efflorescence. They are used in various purposes in construction industries like building and masonry works.
  

Read More: Compressive Strength of Brick.

👉FAQs

What are the Uses of Bricks?

Bricks are used in masonry works, architectural works, boundary wall, retaining wall, foundation works, front decoration of building and basement etc.

What are the Classes of Bricks?

On the basis of compressive strength, they are categorized in four classes:

1. First Class Brick (10 N/mm² or 105 kg/cm²)
2. Second Class Brick (7.5 N/mm² or 75 kg/cm²)
3. Third Class Brick (3.5 - 6.5 N/mm² or 35 to 65 kg/cm²)
4. Fourth Class Brick (Very weak 1.5 - 2.5 N/mm² or 15 to 25 kg/cm²)

What is Brick Work /Masonry Work?

Brick work is also called brick masonry, it is a construction technique to prepare brick structure. In this  a systematic pattern is made by using bricks and mortar by laying top of one another brick to build a rick structure. Mortar is used to adhere the bricks and also fill the gaps of bricks.

What is Ratio of Mortar in Brick Work?

• For standard brick work ratio of mortar is 1:4 [one part cement and four parts of sand or any fine aggregate] . This ratio is also used for 4 inch or 5 inch walls. Also, 1:4 ratio mortar is used for external plastering works.
• For normal brick work ratio of mortar is 1:6 [one part cement and six parts of sand or any fine aggregate]. This ratio is used for 9 inch walls. Also, 1:6 ratio mortar is used for internal plastering works.
• Sometimes, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6 any one ratio is taken for brick work or plastering work.

What are the 3 Classification of Bricks?

• First Class Bricks: First class bricks are quality bricks with excellent edge over other classes of bricks. These are table-moulded and wire-cut bricks, So they have standard shape, size, sharp edges and smooth surfaces. Its strength or crushing value is minimum 10 N/mm² or 105 kg/cm².

• Second Class Bricks: Second class bricks are moderate quality bricks and they are cheaper than first class. They are table- moulded or ground moulded bricks burnt in large kiln. Due to some effects like over burning or low supervision on first class bricks they becomes second class. They have hair cracks on surfaces, irregular shape & size, brittle edge, rough & uneven faces due to ground- moulding.  Its strength or crushing value is minimum 7.5 N/mm² or 75 kg/cm².

• Third Class Bricks: Third class bricks are poor quality bricks. They are moulded and burnt in clamp (traditional method of baking bricks) so they becomes better than sun-dried bricks but under burnt. They have rough surfaces and and unfair edges with soft and light red colored. Its strength or crushing value is minimum 3.5 to 6.5 N/mm² or 35 to 65 kg/cm².

What is a Red Brick?

First class bricks are known as red bricks generally. Red brick is a type of construction material made from fired clay. It gets its name from its characteristic red color which is a result of the clay being baked at high temperatures. Red brick has been used for thousands of years in various forms of construction, from ancient buildings to modern houses and buildings. It is a popular choice because of its durability, strength and fire resistance. Red brick is also valued for its aesthetic appeal and can give a warm and inviting look to a building's exterior or interior. Different types of red bricks may have varying compositions, sizes, textures and finishes, depending on the manufacturing process and intended use. Red brick size is 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm (L x W x H).

 

What is the Most Common Brick Type?

Burnt clay bricks are the most common bricks type.

What is Meaning of Brick in Hindi?

Meaning of Brick in Hindi is Eent (ईंट).

Which Brick is the Strongest?

Engineering Bricks of Class A is the strongest bricks which minimum compressive strength is 125 N/mm².

What is Compressive Strength of First Class Brick?

The compressive strength of first class clay brick is 10 N/mm² or 105 kg/cm².

What is Compressive Strength of Second Class Brick?

The compressive strength of second class clay brick is 7.5 N/mm² or 75 kg/cm².

What is Compressive Strength of Third Class Bricks?

The compressive strength of third class clay brick is 3.5 to 6.5 N/mm² or 35 to 65 kg/cm².

What is a  Jhama Brick?

Over burnt or Jhama Bricks are also known as vitrified bricks because they are fired at high temperature for a long period of time compare to other bricks. So, the shape of the brick is destroyed and strength becomes equal or more than first class bricks. Its water absorption capacity becomes high.

What is Use of Jhama Brick?

Jhama Bricks are basically used in foundation works or broken pieces as coarse aggregate in concrete for slab or beam which will not be in the contact or water.

What is Volume of One Brick?

Volume of 1 Brick = 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm = 1539000 mm³

or 0.19 m x 0.09 m x 0.09 m = 0.001539 m³

How many Bricks in 1 m³ with Mortar and without Mortar?

There are 500 Bricks in 1 m³ with mortar and 650 bricks in 1 m³ without mortar. 

What is Price of 1 Brick?

The price of one brick of first class is approx 7/- to 10/- rupees in India. It depends upon availability and locality of bricks. It may vary region to region and time to time.

What is Price of 1 m³ Bricks?

Since 1 m³ contains 650 bricks without mortar, so the price is approx 4,550/- to 6,500/-.

What is Price of 1000 Bricks?

The price of 1000 bricks of first class is approx 7,000/- to 10,000/- rupees in India. It depends upon availability and locality of bricks. It may vary region to region and time to time.

Which Brick is Stronger?

First class brick is stronger and useful for masonry works. In other hand, Engineering bricks of type-A and type-B are more stronger than other bricks.

Does More Sand make Mortar Stronger?

No, less sand and more cement can result stronger weather its mortar or concrete. But also more cement may provide bad impact on structure. So that the quantity of cement should be controlled.

What is Composition of Clay Brick?

Generally, the clay bricks contain the following ingredients:

1. Silica (Sand):  50 to 60 % by weight.
2. Alumina (Clay): 20 to 30 % by weight.
3. Lime: 2 to 5% by weight.

Difference Between Brick and Block?

Generally Bricks are made by ground clay materials but Blocks are made by cement and aggregates.

How Bricks will Cover 1000 Square Feet Area?

For 4'' walls approx 5,000 bricks, for 9'' walls approx 10,000 bricks.

What are Pizza Oven Bricks?

Fire bricks or firebricks are also known as refractory bricks made by ceramic materials (Silica, alumina, bauxite, magnesite and cromite etc) to withstand high temperature but also having low thermal conductivity for energy efficiency are used as Pizza Oven Bricks.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a way of creating two contrasts by using two different colours of mortar in the mortar joining of brick work. This process is used for artificial impression and sometimes for repair purpose.

What is Mortar?

Mortar is the mixture of cement, sand and water with or without other additive for masonry work or plastering work in construction.

Which is Better Brick?

The red clay brick is better because it is denser than cement bricks. Also, the red clay bricks life is approx 10 times than cement bricks.