In this article, we will discuss the various types of brick materials, their properties, and their dimensions. The following information is intended to help you make an informed decision. Bricks can be made of clay, cement, or sand. In addition, we will discuss the methods used in brick manufacturing. If you are looking for a high quality brick for your next project, we recommend that you read the entire article. This information will help you make a wise decision on the brick material that you will use for your building project.
Materials used to make bricks
The materials used to make bricks are vital to the construction industry. As a staple product, bricks can be traced back to the source. A well-run brick plant has a comprehensive raw materials program. Brick plants are often built close to the primary raw materials they use. Because the quality of these raw materials varies widely across mine properties, the brick plants may have to rely on local suppliers or avoid using them altogether.
The main body of bricks is composed of natural clay minerals, such as shale and kaolin. Added to this base material are small amounts of manganese and barium to produce different shades. Some bricks may also contain barium carbonate, which enhances the brick’s chemical resistance. Other additives used to make bricks include byproducts from papermaking, ammonium compounds, and wetting agents. Flocculents, which cause the particles to form loose clusters, are also used in brick production. Some clays require the addition of sand or grog for manufacturing purposes.
Methods of making bricks
The process of making bricks requires the clay to be prepared properly. Clay is prepared by six steps. First, the clay is dug out from the ground. This clay may contain stones and other impurities and must be washed. It is then spread on a flat surface. Next, the lumps of clay are ground to powder using earth crushing rollers. After this, the clay is exposed to the air to soften.
The soil is then molded into a ball and dried. The ball is then studied to see whether it shows cracks or deformation. A good quality brick should withstand shock and remain intact. In the laboratory, the main constituents of the soil are tested for strength, bending strength, water absorption, and permeability. The proportion of each component is determined through trial and error. The process of molding bricks begins with a series of steps.
Properties of bricks
A brick has a wide range of properties and they are commonly classified under four headings: physical, mechanical, thermal, and durability. Physical properties include shape, size, color, and density. The ideal brick has a rectangular shape but you can find special-purpose bricks cut in different shapes. Brick sizes vary widely from place to place even within the same country. Bricks also differ in their density, which is measured in kilograms per cubic metre.
The density of a brick varies greatly depending on the clay used and how it was molded. Depending on the type of clay used, a brick can be anywhere between 1600 and 1900 kg/cubic meter. As a result, a single brick can weigh between 3.2 and 3.5 kilograms. Compressive and flexural strength are two major brick properties and vary according to density. Generally, bricks with a high compressive strength are the best choice for a construction project.
Dimensions of bricks
When selecting bricks, you must consider the dimensions of each individual unit. Bricks are dimensioned using the stretcher orientation, with different sizes causing slight differences. Bricks are generally chosen depending on their durability, load capacity, and aesthetics. Here is a look at the sizes of some common types of bricks. For more information, see the table below. The following table shows how the sizes of bricks are determined and how they affect the construction process.
Architects use specified brick dimensions when planning the layout of a structure. These dimensions are the size of the brick that the manufacturer anticipates manufacturing. They do not include the size of the mortar joint. Specifications for brick dimensions are included in architectural drawings, although this practice is rare. However, bricks do vary in size based on manufacturer specifications. For example, stack bond bricks are slightly larger than standard stack bond bricks.
Fuel efficiency of bricks
The new technology used in the production of bricks has led to significant improvements in their fuel efficiency. Compared to traditional methods, improved kilns consume as little as three mega joules of fuel per kilogram of ceramic produced. This reduces fuel wood consumption and CO2 emissions by nearly half. And these improvements improve the overall health and working conditions of brick producers. They also create new sources of income. But how does this technology benefit brick producers?
To help brick manufacturers make use of the technology, EELA will provide financial support and guidance. Many producers intend to seek microfinance institution credit, but often face challenges owing to their informality. EELA will create alliances with microfinance institutions that will improve brick makers’ access to financial resources, thereby contributing to sustainable development. The main objective of this activity is to promote the development of more energy-efficient bricks.