Being a load-bearing material, bricks are extraordinarily robust and can fully sustain a building. Bricks are used in paving, walls, and masonry construction. When stone is not easily accessible, it is used as a replacement. Bricks can be formed from a variety of elements, including clay, concrete, sand and lime, fly ash, and water. Depending on its intended use, brick can also be produced in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is crucial to validate the size of bricks because manufacturers build bricks according to their requirements, and one supplier may even make various sizes at separate sites.
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See also: Types of bricks: Clay, concrete, fly ash bricks
Why does it matter what size the bricks are?
Brick size has been important ever since they were first invented. They are employed in a variety of construction projects with precise measurements and call for distinct patterns and shapes.
The size of the bricks was affected by several factors. They shouldn’t be too large because if they are, they would be difficult to grasp with one hand while using the other to apply mortar using a trowel. They must not be too little, or else more of them, more mortar, and more time will be required to build a wall.
If the bricks are large, it will be difficult to put them with one hand and difficult to burn them precisely. Because using smaller bricks would need using a lot more mortar, a standard brick size has been established.
Why are brick sizes uniform?
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Kilns are used to burn bricks, as you may know. It will be challenging to burn them properly as the sizes grow. The bricks are constructed in a common size for ease of use to make it simple for the mason to lift and properly position the bricks.
It will be more difficult to get incredible precision on the wall dimensions as we increase the size.
The bricks are also manufactured to match the size of the columns for another reason. The columns along the brick walls are usually hidden. For instance, the 13-inch brick walls will completely conceal the 13-inch column and create a pleasing appearance.
What are frog impressions?
A frog is a dent made along the length of the bricks on the upper side. It strengthens the bond between bricks and mortar. The self-weight of bricks is reduced. The depth of the frog should be 10–20 mm.
Dimensions of bricks
Three different types of dimensions can be mentioned when talking about brick size:
Specified dimensions: The dimensions that have been specified are those of the brick itself, excluding the mortar. These are utilised when operating with non-modular bricks, in purchase orders, and in project specifications. Architects will include the stated size in their plans and specifications and will use these kinds of parameters when designing a wall.
Actual measurements: As you might anticipate, the actual final product dimensions for a brick are those after it has been constructed. Depending on the type and thickness of brick, this type’s size tolerances can vary, but they are generally small and would not have a significant impact on the architecture.
Nominal dimensions: The total of the stated dimensions and the anticipated thickness of the mortar constitute nominal dimensions, normally represented in round amounts without fractions. The majority of bricks are produced with nominal sizes that fit into a 4″ grid, matching the modules of other construction materials, including doors, frames, and wood pieces.
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Dimensions of a standard brick:
The international construction authorities maintain a standard brick dimension in addition to any other different brick sizes.
Indian standard brick dimensions: According to BIS, the standard brick measurement in India is 190 x 90 x 90 mm (length, depth, and height). The usual brick size for working applications is 200x100x100 mm in dimension, with mortar thickness (L x B x H).
Standard brick size for other countries: The following list includes the standard brick sizes for several nations:
London – 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm
USA – 194mm x 92mm x 57mm
Australia – 230mm x 110mm x 76mm
Romania – 240mm x 115mm x 63
Russia – 250mm x 120mm x 62mm
England – 215 × 102.5 × 65
Sweden – 250mm x 120mm x 62mm
South Africa – 222mm x 106mm x 73mm
Germany – 240mm x 115mm x 71mm
Nepal – 240 x 115 x 57 mm
Denmark – 228mm x 108mm x 54mm
Bangladesh – 241mm x 114mm x 70mm
Non-standard bricks dimensions:
Below are the various kinds of non-standard bricks classified based on dimensions in mm (L x B x H).
Blocks – 440 x (varies) x 215
Modular – 194 x 92 x 57
Jumbo modular – 194 x 92 x 70
Norman – 295 x 92 x 57
Queen – 244 x 79 x 70
King – 244 x 76 x 67
Closure – 194 x 92 x 92
Utility – 295 x 92 x 92
Double Utility – 295 x 92 x 194
Monarch – 397 x 92 x 92
Ambassador – 397 x 92 x 57
Norwegian – 295 x 92 x 71
Brick size for house construction:
The majority of face bricks fall within the 215 mm x 65 mm x 102.5 mm (length, height, width) standard for building bricks. Bricks are frequently smaller than blocks, with a typical concrete frame and breeze block measurements of 440 mm by 215 mm by 100 mm (length x height x width).
The typical thick bricks that you will find utilised in building construction are called floor bricks. Due to their size, they elevate the floor’s level and exert a significant amount of weight on the foundation. Floor bricks are typically 7 5/8″ x 3 5/8″ x 2 1/4″ thick.
Allowable brick dimensions
There are variances in brick dimensions since it is difficult to create every brick precisely to size.
Brick Length ± 3 mm
Brick Width ± 2 mm
Brick Height ± 2 mm
FAQs
Does a brick enlarge with time?
Brick slowly expands with time when exposed to moisture or humid air.
What type of brick is ideal for construction?
Burnt mud bricks are of high quality and are employed in the building of foundations, buildings, pillars, etc.
What's a brick wall's bare minimum thickness?
Brick walls typically have a minimum thickness of 100mm.
What level of strength is necessary for bricks?
When tested following IS-3495, the minimum average tensile strength of the brick must not be less than 7.5 N/mm2.
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