Classification of Bricks

This article is on the Classification of Bricks Based on Quality. In this article, you will learn about the different classes of bricks with important characteristics/properties.

This article will be helpful and informative for civil engineers and civil engineering students.

You may also love to read: 10 quality of bricks used in building construction

1. First Class brick

First-class brick is mainly used for load-bearing walls for multi-story buildings.

Characteristics of first-class brick are as follows:

1. Color: Uniform dark red color
2. Size and Shape: Should have a standard size and have a smooth surface free from
   cracks and should have sharp edges
3. Soundness: When two bricks stuck together, they should give metallic sound.
4. Hardness: It should be hard that it could not be scratched by fingernails.
5. Porosity: It should not absorb water more than 15 % of its dry weight when immerse-
   in water for 24 hrs
6. Strength: Minimum crossing strength should not be less than 140 kg/cm2
7. Water absorption should be less than 15 % of its dry weight.
8. Durability: Should be able to resist the effects of weathering agencies like temperature variations, rain, frost action, etc.
9. Efflorescence: Should not contain alkaline salts which may cause efflorescence
   on its surface and decay the bricks.

2. Second Class Brick

Second class bricks are not suitable for the load-bearing walls for more than two-story buildings.

Characteristics of second class brick are as follows:

1. It should not absorb water more than 20% to 22% of its dry weight when immersed in water for 24 hrs.
2. The compressive strength of second class bricks is between 70 to 140 kg/cm2.
3. Medium red in color.
4. The shape and size are good.
5. These bricks are burnt well.

3. Third Class Brick

The third class of bricks is generally used for temporary works.

Characteristics of third class brick are as follows:

1. It should not absorb water more than 22% to 25% of its dry weight when immersed in water for 24 hrs.
2. The compressive strength of third class bricks is between 35 to 70 kg/cm2.
3. Light red in color.
4. The shape and size are poor
5. These bricks are not burnt well and weak.

You may also searching for: Properties of Bricks

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