Types of Bricks in Masonry Construction – Properties & Uses

Different types of bricks are used in masonry construction based on material such as clay, concrete, lime, fly ash etc. Filed field identification of bricks for their properties, uses and suitability for different construction works are important.  

Sun-Dried or Unburnt Clay 

After molding, bricks are subjected to sunlight and dried using heat from sun. So, they are not that much strong and they also have less water resistance and less fire resistance. These bricks are not suitable for permanent structures.

2. Burnt Clay Bricks

• First class bricks
• Second class bricks
• Third class bricks
• Fourth class bricks

First Class Bricks

First class bricks are good quality bricks compared to other classes. They are molded by table-molding and burnt in large kilns. So, these bricks contain standard shape, sharp edges and smooth surfaces.They are more durable and having more strength. They can be used for permanent structures. However, because of their good properties they are costly than other classes.

Second Class Bricks

Second class bricks are moderate quality bricks and they are molded by ground-molding process. These bricks are also burnt in kilns. But because of ground molding, they do not have smooth surfaces as well as sharp edges.

The shape of bricks also irregular due to unevenness in ground. These also will give best results in strength and durability. Smooth plastering is required on the brick structure.

Third Class Bricks

Third class bricks are poor quality bricks which are generally used for temporary structures like unburnt bricks. These are not suitable for rainy areas. They are ground-molded type bricks and burnt in clamps. The surface of this type of bricks are rough and they have unfair edges.

Fourth Class Bricks

Fourth class bricks are very poor quality bricks and these are not used as bricks in the structure. They are crushed and used as aggregates in the manufacturing of concrete. They are obtained by over burning, because of this they gets overheated and obtains brittle nature. So, they can break easily and not suitable for construction purpose.

3. Fly Ash Bricks

Fly ash bricks are manufactured using fly ash and water. These bricks have better properties than clay bricks and great resistant to freeze thaw cycles. These bricks contains high concentration of calcium oxide which is used in cement production, thus it is also called as self-cementing brick. Fly ash bricks are lightweight and thus it reduces self weight of structures.

The advantages of fly ash bricks over clay bricks are that they have high fire insulation, high strength, uniform sizes for better joints and plaster, lower water penetration, does not require soaking before use in masonry construction.

4. Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks are manufacturing using concrete with ingredients as cement, sand, coarse aggregates and water. These bricks can be manufactured in sizes as required.

The advantages of using concrete bricks over clay bricks are that they can be manufactured at construction site, reduces quantity of mortar required, can be manufactured to provide different colors as pigmented during its production.

Concrete bricks are used for construction of masonry and framed buildings, facades, fences, and provide an excellent aesthetic presence.

5. Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks have high compressive strength and are used special applications where strength, frost resistance, acid resistance, low porosity is required. These bricks are commonly used for basements where chemical or water attacks are prevalent and for damp proof courses.

6. Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks

Calcium silicate bricks are made of sand and lime and popularly known as sand lime bricks. These bricks are used for several purposes in construction industries such as ornamental works in buildings, masonry works etc.