41 Different Types of Bricks and Their Uses for Construction-1. Forty-one varieties of bricks and how they are used in construction

Image Source: Freepik

This article will look at different types of bricks used in modern construction. We will learn about the different qualities and advantages of classic clay bricks, concrete bricks, and firebricks that are used for specific purposes. Keep reading to find out more!

Brick & Its History

Bricks are rectangular building materials made from shale or clay that are heated in a kiln. They have been used since ancient times when the Sumerians first started making fired bricks around 3000 BC. Bricks have been an important part of architecture because they are so versatile, provide insulation, and last a long time. Over the centuries, bricks have been used in many different structures, from ancient buildings to modern ones. The use of bricks increased during the Industrial Revolution due to advancements in technology.

Types of Bricks

We have made a list of the main groups that bricks are divided into. Here is the list:

Based on Raw Materials

Bricks are divided into different categories based on what materials were used to make them. Here are the main ones.

Clay Bricks

Clay Bricks-Based On Raw Material-Forty-one kinds of bricks and their utility in constructing

Image Source: Freepik

Clay bricks are a very common and traditional type of brick that is heated in a kiln and made from clay. Different types of clay bricks exist due to the different properties and colors of the clay.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete Bricks-Based On Raw Material- Forty-one types of bricks and their applications in building

Image Source: Freepik

Concrete bricks are commonly used for building purposes. They are made up of a mix of water, aggregate, sand, and cement, and can be made in various colors and textures. Additionally, these bricks are great for walls, fences, and other external structures due to their heat-resistance and sound-reducing qualities.

Sand-Lime Bricks

Sand-Lime Bricks-Based On Raw Material-Forty-one sorts of bricks and their utilization in construction

Image Source: Freepik

Sand-lime bricks are made by combining water, lime, sand, and fly ash and pressing them together. The reaction between the silica and lime gives these bricks a greyish color with a uniform, smoother look than clay bricks. This makes them strong enough to be used as load-bearing members and they don’t need to be plastered.

Fly Ash Bricks

Fly Ash Bricks-Based On Raw Material-Forty-one kinds of bricks and how they are employed in construction

Image Source: Freepik

Fly ash bricks are an environmentally friendly option that uses fly ash, a waste material from burning coal. These bricks provide good insulation and don’t require as much energy to produce. When they get wet, they swell up and are less permeable than clay bricks, so they don’t need to be plastered, providing a smooth finish.

Refractory Bricks

Refractory Bricks-Based On Raw Material-Forty-one varieties of bricks and how they are utilized in construction

Image Source: Freepik

Fire bricks are great if you need bricks that can handle extreme heat. They are called refractory bricks and are specially made from soil that will not change shape, size, or strength when heated up. These bricks are perfect for places like furnaces and chimneys that have a lot of heat and pressure.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering Bricks-Based On Raw Material-Forty-one types of bricks and their utilization in the building process

Image Source: Freepik

Engineering bricks are special types of bricks made from hard clay or shale. They are very strong and are often used in places that need extra stability.

Based on the Building Process

Here is a division of different kinds of bricks based on how they are used for construction:

Unburnt Bricks

Unburnt Bricks-based on building process-Forty-one sorts of bricks and their function in construction

Image Source: Freepik

These bricks are called “half-burnt” because they are weaker and yellow in color. They are used as filling for basement foundations or as a base for concrete and lime terraces. It’s important to remember not to let these bricks get wet from rain.

Burnt Bricks

Burnt Bricks-based on building process-Forty-one different kinds of bricks and their role in construction

Image Source: Freepik

Burnt bricks, also known as fired bricks, are created by heating up clay-based materials in a furnace or oven at very high temperatures. This changes the clay’s chemical and physical properties, making it strong and durable enough to be used for construction. They are great for building because of their heat resistance, durability, and strength.

Over Burnt or Jhama Brick

Over Burnt or Jhama Brick-based on building process-Forty-one forms of bricks and their purpose in the construction industry

Image Source: Freepik

Overburnt bricks, also called Jhama bricks, are fired at very high temperatures for a longer period of time than regular bricks. This makes them misshapen, but it gives them more strength and makes them more absorbent, so they are often used in foundations with lime concrete. Their strength is the same as first-class bricks, but they are better at absorbing things.

Based on the Manufacturing Method

The way bricks are made determines what type of brick they are. Here’s how they are categorized:

Extruded Bricks

Extruded Bricks-Based On the Manufacturing-41 Varieties of Bricks and What They Are Utilized For in Building Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Extruded bricks are created by pushing clay through a shaped mold using a machine. These bricks are the same size and shape, making them a good option for use in modern buildings, especially those on a tight budget.

Molded Bricks

Molded Bricks-Based On the Manufacturing-A List of 41 Types of Bricks and Their Applications in Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Bricks that are molded come in different sizes and forms and are created by putting clay into molds. They are not made in a machine but are instead made by hand in the molds, and often have a rustic or classic look.

Dry-Pressed Bricks

Dry-Pressed Bricks-Based On the Manufacturing-41 Different Kinds of Bricks and Their Uses in Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Dry-pressed bricks are hard and strong bricks made by using a special machine to press clay with little water into shapes.

Based on Shape

Based on Shape-Based On the Manufacturing-A Variety of 41 Bricks and How They Are Used in the Construction of Structures

Image Source: Freepik

The shape of the brick used depends on what the structure needs, the type of architecture, and the look that is desired. Below is a list of the types of brick based on their shape.

Bullnose Brick

Bricks that are shaped in a curved form are called bullnose bricks, often used to make curved corners.

Airbricks

Airbricks are special bricks with holes in them that allow air to flow through. They are used in walls with a cavity and on suspended floors.

Channel Bricks

Bricks formed into a gutter-like shape are called channel bricks and are used for drains.

Coping Bricks

The shape of the coping bricks on a wall depends on how thick the wall is. The possible shapes are angled saddleback, chamfered, or half-

Cow Nose Bricks

These bricks are called “cow nose” because they are shaped like a cow’s nose.

Capping Bricks

The bricks used to cover the top of walls not connected to a building are called capping bricks.

 Brick Veneers

Brick veneers are used to cover walls and they are usually thin.

Curved Sector Bricks

Bricks that are used for paving, arches, and other places that require a curved shape are known as curved sector bricks.

Hollow Bricks

Hollow bricks are also known as cavity or cellular bricks. They are much lighter than regular bricks – only one-third of the weight – and are usually 20 to 25 mm thick. Laying them is a lot quicker than regular bricks, so construction can be completed faster. They are also often used for partitioning.

Paving Bricks

Paving bricks contain a good amount of iron which helps them stay strong even when fired at lower temperatures. This makes them perfect to use in paving roads and garden park floors as they are able to handle the wear and tear from traffic. Additionally, they are less slippery so it is safer to walk on.

Perforated Bricks

Perforated bricks are named this way because they have holes in them in a cylindrical shape. They are very light and easy to make, using less clay than other types of bricks. They come in different shapes, like square, rectangular, or round. They are used in the construction of lightweight structures and multi-story frame structures.

Based on Size

Based on Size-41 Different Types of Bricks and What They Are Used For in Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Bricks are available in various sizes to fit different building plans and requirements. Here are some of the most common sizes of bricks

Standard Bricks

One of the most common bricks for construction is the standard bricks which fit well in most wall patterns and are versatile. These bricks come with dimensions of about 3 5/8 inches by 2 ¼ inches by 8 inches.

Modular Bricks

Modular bricks are slightly larger than regular bricks, measuring 3 5/8 inches by 2 ¾ inches by 7 5/8 inches. Due to their size, they make building easier and more efficient.

Jumbo Bricks

Jumbo bricks are very big, measuring about 3 5/8 inches by 3 5/8 inches by 11 5/8 inches. They help build things faster and require less mortar because of their size.

 Queen Bricks

Queen bricks are slightly smaller than regular bricks, measuring about 3 1/8 inches by 2 ¾ inches by 7 5/8 inches. If you want an attractive look for your home, they are the ideal choice. Knowing the construction needs, design taste, and structural needs helps to choose the right size of queen bricks. Different sizes of these bricks provide different functional and aesthetic advantages.

Based on Quality

Based on Quality-41 Types of Bricks and Their Uses for Building Structures

Image Source: Freepik

You can group bricks according to their strength and Quality. Here is a list of the various types of bricks depending on Quality

First Class Bricks

First-class bricks are all the same size, shape, and color and are of very good quality. They have no bumps or imperfections and have consistent texture, making them perfect for use in parts of a building that are visible.

Second Class Bricks

Second-class bricks are not as good quality as first-class bricks. They may be a bit uneven, but they can still be used for building walls.

 Third Class Bricks

Third-class bricks are not the same shape, have cracks and imperfections, and are mainly used in walls that don’t have to bear weight.

Based on Use

Based on Use-41 Different Types of Bricks and Their Purposes in Building Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Here is another classification of different types of bricks based on their specific use in construction. Here is the list of some of the standard brick types based on their intended purpose of use

Common Bricks

The bricks usually used in buildings are called common bricks. They can be used for making walls that hold weight or walls that don’t hold weight. These bricks are not very strong, not of great quality, and not very resistant.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks are often used when a structure needs to be strong and stable, like in foundations and walls. They have a high amount of strength and they are dense, which helps them stay strong. They are also resistant to chemicals and have a good amount of load-bearing capacity. They come in three different classes, A, B, and C, with class B being the most common. However, class A is the strongest of the three.

Based on Location

Based on Location-A Range of 41 Bricks and How They Are Used in Construction

Image Source: Freepik

This is a list of various kinds of bricks that are grouped together based on where they are located.

Cream City Bricks

The bricks in this place come from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

London Stock

These bricks are used in London.

Dutch

These bricks are from Holland.

Nanak Shahi Bricks

These bricks are made in India.

Roman

These bricks were used in buildings made by the Romans.

Staffordshire Blue Brick

These bricks are made in England.

Based on Weather Resisting Capability

Based on Weather Resisting Capability- 41 Bricks and Their Various Uses for Construction

Image Source: Freepik

Below is a list of various types of bricks, categorized based on how well they can withstand different types of weather.

Severe Weather Grade

Bricks with a high weather rating are used in areas that have snow for a lot of the year because they can handle freezing and thawing.

Moderate Weather Grade

Moderate weather-grade bricks are ideal for use in tropical climates as they can withstand high temperatures. These bricks are commonly used in countries with a warm climate and are an affordable, durable building material.

No Weather Grade

No-weather grade bricks are used inside walls because they cannot withstand bad weather.

Some Interesting Facts About Bricks:

Bricks have a really interesting past and some cool facts! Here are a few facts about bricks that you might find interesting:

  • People have been using bricks to build things for thousands of years. The first known use of bricks is from around 7500 BC in modern-day Turkey.
  • Bricks are known for being very strong and durable, which is seen in the Great Wall of China and Roman aqueducts.
  • Bricks help keep the indoor temperature comfortable by not needing as much heating and cooling because they are good at keeping in heat.
  • Bricks are made with lots of renewable materials, like clay, meaning they are good for the environment and don’t create a lot of carbon emissions.
  • Bricks are a good option for buildings in areas prone to fires due to their composition and the way they are made, which makes them very resistant to fire.
  • The color of bricks varies based on the type of clay and how they are fired. This allows for many different options when it comes to creating unique architectural designs.
  • Bricks come in different shapes and sizes, so you can pick the best ones for your building project.
  • Bricks are not just used for building, but they can show what type of architecture is popular in certain areas and can have a lot of meaning for a place, both culturally and historically.
  • Skilled bricklayers can make buildings look more creative and interesting by adding patterns, designs, and textures.

To sum it up, there are a lot of different types of bricks to choose from for construction purposes. Bricks have been used for building since ancient times, and are still very popular today. This article has helped you learn more about different types of bricks. Let us know if it is helpful for you!

Read More:

Tagged in:

,

About the Author

K4 Feed

K4 Feed is your one stop feed of new-age-media content in various categories. K4 Feed follows a holistic approach to update people about every aspect of life.

View All Articles