Brick in Constructions

A Brick is a construction material employs in the construction of several structures. It is an old traditional building material used in the construction of walls. Bricks consider as a major construction material because of its physical and chemical character.  It posses high strength, durability and fire resistance. Easily available at low cost and considers as leading building material.

Bricks are laid in courses and numerous patterns known as bonds. It constructs with various kinds of mortar to hold the bricks together. And to make a durable structure. The basic categories of bricks are fired and non-fired bricks.

Constituents of Brick

Bricks consist of various components in it. They are,

• Alumina
• Silica
• Lime
• Oxide of iron
• Magnesia

1. Alumina

A brick earth contains about 20-30% of Alumina. It offers plasticity to the bricks and molds easily into any shape. Alumina is also naming as clay.

2. Silica

Silica is a major constitute present in it. It occurs in clay in a free or combined form. And contains 50-60% of silica. It gives size to bricks and a uniform shape. It prevents cracking, shrinking, and warping of brick.

3. Oxides of iron

The brick contains a few iron oxides in it. This gives the red color to it. It considers as the main ingredient.

4. Magnesia

A small quantity of magnesia is presenting in it. It is yellowish in color and it reduces shrinkage of bricks.

Uses of Bricks

Bricks employes for construction of walls of different thickness.

It uses for construction of partition walls in ordinary and multi-story framed structure.

Uses for insulation purposes for its lightweight properties.

Use in pavements as it offers more resistance to abrasion.

Mold in the shape of a gutter and use for drains.

Sand-lime bricks use for decorative purposes in buildings.

Use as a weather course in the terrace of buildings.

Uses in the construction of furnace in factories and industries.