Understanding Brick Types and Their Properties in Construction

Brick is one of the oldest and most extensively used building materials in the world. Across the entire country of India and even in many other nations, bricks form an integral part of both traditional and contemporary architecture. Whether it is building a house, a commercial complex, or even a boundary wall, having knowledge regarding the different types of bricks and their respective properties is crucial for achieving the desired strength, durability and beauty of the structure. This blog focuses on the types of bricks used for construction, highlighting the materials, grades, and ideal uses of these bricks.

What Are Bricks?   

Bricks are rectangular blocks of clay, shale, or concrete, which can be further divided into two primary categories – burnt and unburnt. The former is sun-dried or placed in an oven, while the latter refers to those dried in the open air. Bricks are fundamental components of load and partition walls, pavements, and other decorative structures, which are put together using cement. Due to their specific size, shape, and materials employed, bricks can be used for both structural and non-structural functions.

Various Categories of Bricks Used in Construction   

Bricks can be categorised based on their materials, method of production, quality, and use. Let's consider the four classifications of bricks utilised in construction in greater detail.

Burnt Clay Bricks  

This form of brick is most common in India. Burnt clay bricks are produced by moulding clay and firing it in a kiln; they are used in residential buildings, commercial structures, and garden walls.

Properties:   

• Burnt clay bricks are durable
• Come in different grades
• Must be plastered

Common Variants:  

• First Class Bricks: Highest quality bricks; used in load-bearing walls. They are uniform in size, shape, and colour.
• Second Class Bricks: Used in areas where plastering is done. Slightly irregular in shape.
• Third Class Bricks: Low-quality bricks, often used in temporary structures.
• Fourth Class Bricks: Brittle and over-burnt, these bricks are suitable for road construction or as aggregate.

2. Fly Ash Bricks   

These bricks are made using waste materials such as fly ash, cement, and water. They are relatively light, considerately friendly to the environment, and appropriate for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

Properties:  

• Allows high compressive strength.
• Smoother fire insulation.
• Allows less water absorption.
• Smoother finish.

Common Uses:  

• Multi-storey buildings
• Internal walls

Concrete Bricks   

Concrete bricks are made from solid concrete and are often used for modern construction. These bricks are commonly used for facades, fences and even in boundary walls.

Properties:  

• Cost-effective.
• Fire and weather resistant.
• Uniform shape and size.

Applications:  

• External walls.
• Garden structures.
• Load-bearing and partition walls.

Engineering Bricks 

These are high-density bricks with excellent load-bearing capacity and porosity due to low water absorption, ideal for specialised construction where durability takes top priority.

Properties:

• High strength and density.
• Resistant to frost and chemicals.
• Low porosity.

Typical Uses:  

• Basements
• Retaining walls

Types of Red Bricks and Their Uses  

Among the most common types of bricks in India are red bricks, which are made out of clay in high proportions. Like their manufacturing steps, quality is put into distinct categories, for example, burnt clay bricks.

Types of Red Bricks Subcategories:   

• Machine-Made Red Bricks
• Non-Modular and Modular Red Bricks
• Handmade Red Bricks

The following works comprise red bricks:

• Road construction
• External wall designs
• Supporting structures

Other Noteworthy Brick Types  

Fire Bricks  

Excellent at bearing high temperatures ranging from furnaces and chimneys.
Good for sound insulation

Hollow Bricks  

• Used for supporting encasements that do not bear weight.
• Provide outstanding protection from sound.

Sun-Dried Bricks  

• Ancient form of brick used for non-permanent structures.
• Cannot be used in wet weather conditions.
• Bricks used in the construction of buildings in India

Bricks Used in Construction in India  

Due to the area's climate, building type, and geography, the Indian construction industry offers a variety of bricks to choose from. Most popular options are:

• Burnt Clay Bricks: Used across all regions
• Fly Ash Bricks: Growing popular in city areas
• Concrete Bricks: Used in modern and commercial structures
• AAC Blocks: These are rising in use for tall constructions due to their low weight and insulation capabilities, hence not strictly bricks.

Choosing the Right Brick for Your Project  

This is an overview for selecting bricks pertaining to your construction:

For Load-Bearing Walls:   

• First-class burnt clay bricks
• Fly ash bricks
• Engineering bricks

For Partition Walls:  

• Fly ash bricks
• Concrete bricks
• Hollow bricks

For Foundations and Basements:  

• Engineering bricks
• Concrete bricks

For Aesthetic and Facade Use:  

• Red bricks
• Concrete bricks

Advantages of Using Different Types of Bricks   

• Durability: Lasting over a century poses no problem for good-quality bricks.
• Fire Resistance: Excellent fire insulation is offered by most bricks.
• Thermal Insulation: Helps regulate temperature indoors.
• Sound Insulation: A natural barrier to noise is provided by bricks.

Limitations to Consider  

Despite being flexible in use, bricks do have disadvantages:

• Weight: The need of the hour becomes a robust foundation if the structure is heavier.
• Labour Intensive: A great deal of time is consumed in bricklaying.
• Water Absorption: Poor quality bricks may absorb water, causing dampness.

Also Read: 5 Essential Materials Needed For Building Construction in India

Conclusion 

An understanding of the different types of bricks is beneficial to anyone who is a part of the construction world and equally essential for designers, builders or even homeowners.
From traditional red brick types to contemporary concrete and eco-friendly fly ash bricks, selection exists for every project. Understanding the attributes of each type enables you to make decisions that complement the performance and beauty of your construction. Whether it is second-class brick used for internal work or a partition wall brick for dividing space, the right choice makes all the difference.
 

For more information, please reach out to us at: Sales@sreemetaliks.com