Types of Bricks – Best 10 Classification of Bricks with Details – Bricks are a regular size rectangular unit. Bricks are made of clay. They are usually used for most of the building works. Bricks are most generally used as a substitute for stone when the stone is not available.
Before we start, Lets Clear what we’ll Reads in this Article, what are the different types of bricks?? What is brick? What are its types and respective size?
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.
In this post, we explained many Questions like, Which type of brick is suitable for boundary wall? Which type of brick is used in the panel wall in multiple storied building?
Sometimes People asks in our Best Civil Engineering Telegram Group, how many different types of bricks are there? So, how many types of bricks you know ?
Types of Bricks
Bricks can be of many types depending on –
- Types Of Bricks Based on Quality
- Types Of Bricks Based on Building Process
- Types Of Bricks Based on Manufacturing Method
- Types Of Bricks Based on Raw Material
- Types Of Bricks Based on Using Location
- Types Of Bricks Based on Weather-resisting Capability
- Types Of Bricks Based on Purpose of Using
- Types Of Bricks Based on Shape
- Types Of Bricks Based on Region
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Quality
On the basis of quality, Bricks are of the following kinds:
- First Class Brick
- Second Class Brick
- Third Class Brick
In this section, we will discuss What is the difference between Ist Class brick and third class brick? What is the size of second and third class bricks? The size of the second and third class of bricks generally used around us.
First Class Brick
First Class Brick: The size is standard. The color of these bricks is uniform yellow or red. It is well burnt, regular texture, uniform shape. The absorption capacity is less than 10%, crushing strength is, 280kg/cm2 (mean) where it is 245 kg/cm2 (minimum).
It doesn’t have efflorescence. It emits a metallic sound when struck by another similar brick or struck by a hammer.
It is hard enough to resist any fingernail expression on the brick surface if one tries to do with a thumbnail. It is free from pebbles, gravels or organic matters. It is generally used-
- in a building of long durability, say 100 years
- for building exposes to a corrosive environment;
- for making coarse aggregates of concrete.
Second Class Brick
Second Class Brick: The size is standard, color is uniform yellow or red. It is well burnt, slightly over burnt is acceptable. It has a regular shape; efflorescence is not appreciable.
The absorption capacity of Second Class Brick is more than 10% but less than 15%. Crushing strength of Second Class Brick is 175kg/cm2 (mean) where the minimum is 154 kg/cm2.
It emits a metallic sound when struck by another similar brick or struck by a hammer. It is hard enough to resist any fingernail expression on the brick surface if one tries to do with a thumbnail.
It is used for the construction of one-storied buildings, temporary shed when intended durability is not more than 15 years.
Third Class Brick
Third Class Bricks : The shape and size are not regular. The color is soft and light red-colored. It is under burnt, slightly over burnt is acceptable.
Third Class Brick has extensive efflorescence. The texture is non-uniform. The absorption capacity of Third Class Brick is more than 15% but less than 20%.
The crushing strength of Third Class Brick is 140kg/cm2 (mean) where the minimum crushing strength is 105kg/cm2.
It emits a dull or blunt sound when struck by another similar brick or struck by a hammer. It leaves fingernail expression when one tries to do with the thumbnail.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Building Process
On the basis of the building process Bricks are of following kinds:
- Unburnt Bricks
- Burnt Bricks Or Jhama Brick
Unburnt Bricks
Unburnt Bricks: These are half burnt bricks. The color is yellow. The strength is low. They are used as surki in lime terracing. They are used as soiling under RCC footing or basement. Such bricks should not be exposed to rainwater. Unburnt bricks are also called Surkhi Bricks.
Burnt Bricks
Burnt Bricks : Burnt bricks are made by burning them in the kiln. First class, Second Class, Third Class bricks are burnt bricks.
Over Burnt Bricks Or Jhama Brick
Over Burnt or Jhama Brick: It is often known as the vitrified brick as it is fired at high temperature and for a longer period of time than conventional bricks. As a result, the shape is distorted. The absorption capacity is high. The strength is higher or equivalent to first class bricks. It is used as lime concrete for the foundation. It is also used as coarse aggregate in the concrete of slab and beam which will not come in contact with water.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Manufacturing Method
On the basis of manufacturing method bricks are of the following kinds:
- Extruded Brick
- Molded Brick
- Dry Pressed Brick
Extruded Brick
Extruded Brick: It is created by forcing clay and water into a steel die, with a very regular shape and size, then cutting the resulting column into shorter units with wires before firing. It is used in constructions with limited budgets. It has three or four holes constituting up to 25% volume of the brick.
Molded Brick
Molded Brick: It is shaped in molds by hand rather being in the machine. Molded bricks between 50-65mm are available instantly. Other size and shapes are available in 6-8 weeks after the order.
Dry Pressed Brick
Dry pressed Brick: It is the traditional types of bricks which are made by compressing clay into molds. It has a deep frog in one bedding surface and a shallow frog in another.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Raw Materials
On the basis of raw materials bricks are of the following kinds:
- Burnt Clay Brick
- Fly Ash Clay Brick
- Concrete Brick
- Sand-Lime Brick
- Fire Brick
Burnt Clay Brick
Burnt Clay Brick: It is obtained by pressing the clay in molds and fried and dried in kilns. It is the most used bricks. It requires plastering when used in construction works.
Fly Ash Clay Brick
Fly ash clay Brick contains class C or class F fly ash, a by-product of burning coal mixed with water at 1000 degrees Celsius. Class C fly ash is the best among the types of bricks used in construction for pillars, foundations, and walls because of the high amount of calcium oxide it contains. Self-cementing brick is a term that is frequently used to describe this type of brick.
It contains a high volume of calcium oxide in fly ash. That is why usually described as self-cementing. It usually expands when coming into contact with moisture. It is less porous than clay bricks. It proved a smooth surface so it doesn’t need plastering.
You can read more about how many types of fly ash bricks available ?
Concrete Brick
Concrete Brick: It is made of concrete. It is the least used bricks. It has low compression strength and is of low quality. These bricks are used above and below the damp proof course. These bricks are used can be used for facades, fences and internal brickworks because of their sound reductions and heat resistance qualities. It is also called mortar brick. It can be of different colors if the pigment is added during manufacturing. It should not be used below ground.
Sand-Lime Brick
Sand-lime Brick: Sand, fly ash and lime are mixed and molded under pressure. During wet mixing, a chemical reaction takes place to bond the mixtures. Then they are placed in the molds.
The color is greyish as it offers something of an aesthetic view. It offers a smoother finish and uniform appearance than the clay bricks. As a result, it also doesn’t require plastering. It is used as a load-bearing members as it is immensely strong.
Firebrick: It is also known as refractory bricks. It is manufactured from a specially designed earth. After burning, it can withstand very high temperatures without affecting its shape, size, and strength.
It is used for the lining of chimney and furnaces where the usual temperature is expected to be very high.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Using Location
On the basis of using location bricks are of the following kinds:
- Facing Brick
- Backing Brick
Facing Brick
Facing Brick: The façade material of any building is known as facing brick. Facings bricks are standard in size, are stronger than other bricks and also have better durability. The color is red or brown shades to provide a more aesthetic look to the building.
There are many types of facing bricks that use different techniques and technology. Facing bricks should be weather resistant as they are most generally used on the exterior wall of buildings.
Backing Brick
Backing Brick: These types of brick don’t have any special features. They are just used behind the facing bricks to provide support.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Weather-resisting Capability
On the basis of weather-resisting capability bricks are of following kinds:
- Severe Weather Grade
- Moderate Weather Grade
- No Weather Grade
Severe Weather Grade
Severe Weather Grade: These types of bricks are used in the countries which are covered in snow most of the time of year. These bricks are resistant to any kind of freeze-thaw action.
Moderate Weather Grade
Moderate Weather Grade: These types of bricks are used in tropical countries. They can withstand any high temperature.
No Weather Grade
No Weather Grade: These bricks do not have any weather resisting capabilities and used on the inside walls.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Their Using
There are many uses of bricks. On the basis of the purpose of their using bricks are of the following kinds:
- Common Bricks
- Engineering Bricks
Common Bricks
Common Bricks: These bricks are the most common bricks used. They don’t have any special features or requirements. They have low resistance, low quality, low compressive strength. They are usually used on the interior walls.
Engineering Bricks
Engineering Bricks: These bricks are known for many reasons. Engineering Bricks have high compressive strength and low absorption capacity. Engineering Bricks are very strong and dense.
Engineering Bricks have good load bearing capacity, damp proof, and chemical resistance properties. Engineering Bricks have a uniform red color.
Engineering Bricks are classified as Class A, class B, class C. Class A is the strongest but Class B is most used. Engineering Bricks are used for mainly civil engineering works like sewers, manholes, groundworks, retaining walls, damp proof courses, etc.
Classification / Types of Bricks Based on Shape
On the basis of shape bricks are of following kinds:
- Bullnose Brick
- Air Bricks
- Channel Bricks
- Coping Bricks
- Capping Bricks
- Curved Sector Bricks
- Hollow Bricks
Bullnose Brick
Bullnose Brick: These bricks are molded into round angles. They are used for rounded quoin.
Air Bricks
Airbricks: These bricks contain holes to circulate air. They are used on suspended floors and cavity walls.
Channel Bricks
Channel Bricks: They are molded into the shape of a gutter or channel. They are used in drains.
Coping Bricks
Coping Bricks: They can be half round, chamfered, Saddleback, angled varied according to the thickness of the wall.
Cow Nose Bricks
Cow Nose Bricks: Bricks having double bullnose known as Cow Nose Bricks.
Capping Bricks
Capping Bricks: These bricks are used to cap the tops of parapets or freestanding walls.
Brick Veneers: These bricks are thin and used for cladding.
Curved Sector Bricks
Curved Sector Bricks: These are curved in shape. They are used in arcs, pavements, etc.
Hollow Bricks
Hollow Bricks: These bricks are around one-third of the weight of the normal bricks. They are also called cellular or cavity bricks. Their thickness is from 20-25mm. These bricks pave the way to quicker construction as they can be laid quickly compared to the normal bricks. They are used in partitioning.
Paving Bricks
Paving Bricks: These bricks contain a good amount of iron. Iron vitrifies bricks at low temperature. They are used in garden park floors, pavements. These bricks withstand the abrasive action of traffic thus making the floor less slippery.
Perforated Bricks
Perforated Bricks: These bricks contain cylindrical holes. They are very light in weight. Their preparation method is also easy. They consume less clay than the other bricks. They can be of different shapes like round, square, rectangular. They are used in the construction of the panels for lightweight, structures, and multistoried frame structures.
Purpose Made Bricks
Purpose Made Bricks: For specific purposes, these bricks are made. Splay and can’t bricks are made for doors and window jambs. Engineering bricks are made for civil engineering constructions such as sewers, manholes, retaining walls. Fire bricks are made for chimneys and fireworks. Ornamental bricks are made to use for cornices, corbels. Arch bricks are used in arcs.
Classification/Types of Bricks Based on Region
On the basis of the region bricks are of following kinds:
- Cream City Bricks
- London Stock
- Dutch
- Nanak Shahi Bricks
- Roman
- Staffordshire Blue Brick
Cream City Bricks
These bricks are from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
London Stock Bricks
These bricks are used in London.
Dutch Bricks
These are from the Netherlands.
Nanak Shahi Bricks
Nanak Shahi Bricks: These are from India.
Roman Bricks
Roman Bricks: These are used in Roman constructions,
Staffordshire Blue Brick
Staffordshire Blue Brick: These are from England.
| Link | URL |
| Standard Brick Size in India – 10 Advanced Tips & Guide for Civil Engineers | https://procivilengineer.com/brick-size/ |
| 6 Types of Bricks Classification According To Indian Standard | https://procivilengineer.com/bricks-classification-according-to-indian-standard/ |
| Online Bricks Calculator – Best and Most Accurate | https://procivilengineer.com/bricks-calculator/ |
| Fly Ash Bricks – Composition, Uses and Comparison | https://procivilengineer.com/fly-ash-bricks/ |
| Bricks – A to Z Information Construction Material | https://procivilengineer.com/bricks/ |
| 10 Types of Bricks with Details and Price in India | https://procivilengineer.com/types-of-bricks/ |
| Brick Masonry – Comprehensive Guide | https://procivilengineer.com/brick-masonry/ |
| Composition of Bricks – What are bricks made of ?? | https://procivilengineer.com/composition-of-bricks/ |
