Classification of Bricks

Field practice of classification of 'Bricks'



First class bricks


Colour - Thoroughly burnt with deep red or copper colour

Edges - Sharp edges, smooth surface, rectangular with parallel and strait edges & square corners

Texture - Uniform

Abrasion resistance - No scratch should be made by finger nail

Water absorption - about and not more than 12-15 % of dry weight when immersed in cold water for 24 hours

Sound - Mettalic or ringing sound when two bricks struck aginst each other

Crushing strength - Not less than 10.5 N/mm²

Uses - Exposed face work, ponting, flooring and reinforced brick work


Second class bricks


Usually second class bricks have more or less same properties as first class except that 

Water absorption - A little higher about 16-20 % of its dry weight when immersed in cold water for 24 hours is allowed

Crushing strength - Not less than 7 N/mm²

Small cracks and irregularities are permitted

Uses - All normal masonry works, hidden masonry works and reinforced bricks


Third class bricks


These bricks are of poor quality than second class bricks

Colour - Light in colour 

Texture - Underburnt 

Abrasion resistance - soft, leaves impression when scratch by finger nail

Corners are round, and irregular edges

Water absorption - About 25 % of dry weight

Uses - for temporary structures only


Fourth class bricks


Texture - Overburnt 

Shape - Badly distorted in shape and size 

These bricks are brittle in nature 

Uses - As brick ballast for foundations and floors & road metal.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post