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Bricks are a cost-effective alternative to natural stones in construction. They are created from both organic and inorganic raw materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are several types of bricks produced in India to help build, restore, or support the required infrastructure, whether it is for framework or décor, indoor or outdoor, systemic or corridors.
In this article, we will walk you through the list of the various types of bricks in India. Let’s get started!
10 Types of Bricks in India
From sun-dried bricks to engineered bricks, there are various types of bricks available in the market in India. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of bricks used for construction in India.
- Burnt Clay Bricks
- Calcium Silicate Bricks
- Concrete Bricks
- Engineering Bricks
- Facing Bricks
- Fire Bricks
- Fly Ash Bricks
- Jhama Bricks
- Porotherm Smart Bricks
- Unburnt Clay Bricks or Sun-dried Bricks
Let us take a closer look at each of the different types of bricks used for construction in India.
1. Burnt Clay Bricks
The oldest and most extensively used construction material is burned clay bricks.This type of bricks are high-quality bricks that are used to build numerous important structural components such as:
- Columns
- Foundations
- Walls
The four types of burned bricks, popularly used in India are first-class bricks, second-class bricks, third-class bricks, and fourth-class bricks.
First-class bricks
First-class bricks are more expensive than the others due to their higher build quality.
- Conventional bricks are of higher quality
- Molded on table and well-burned
- Deep red color
- No fractures, irregularities, defects, chipping, or efflorescence
- No pebbles, gravel, or biological materials
Test: When you strike two of these types of bricks against each other, a clear metallic ringing must be produced.
Usage: Suggested for the construction of long-term constructions.
Second-class bricks
- Average sturdiness
- Molded on the ground and fired in brick kilns
- Uneven size and a coarse, unpolished, surface
- May have hair fractures
Test: When you strike them against each other, they make a metallic sound.
Usage: These types of bricks are used for constructing single-story buildings or temporary sheds, where the bricks are plastered over.
Third-class bricks
Thirs-class burnt clay bricks are low-quality bricks that are typically used to construct temporary structures.
- Come in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Mild red tint to them
- Has a non-uniform texture
- A lot of cracks and deformities
- Molded on the ground and burned in clamps
- The surface of these types of bricks are uneven, and the edges are crooked
Test: They make a muted sound when you strike them against each other.
Usage: These are intended for temporary buildings and should not be utilized in rainy environments.
Fourth-class bricks
These are inferior quality bricks that are broken and used in the concrete manufacturing process.
- Dark, irregularly shaped, over-burned, and brittle
- Unfit for building
- Used as a rough material in road building, highways, flooring, and concrete foundations
2. Calcium Silicate Bricks
Calcium silicate bricks are also called sand and lime bricks as these are the main components of these types of bricks. Calcium silicate bricks are low-cost and offer excellent noise, heat, and moisture resistance. They’re utilized all around the world and have a consistent shade and consistency.
These types of bricks are widely used in architectural ornamentation in India.
3. Concrete Bricks
Solid concrete, as well as cement, gravel, sand, and water, are used to make concrete bricks. The dimensions of these types of bricks can be customized in India to meet specific construction needs.
These types of bricks have a string aesthetic appearance and are frequently used in:
- Façade
- Fencing
- Hidden or internal building structures
4. Engineering Bricks
The compressive strength of these bricks is strong, and the water absorption is low. Engineering bricks are utilized whenever durability, low water porosity, and acid (flue gas) tolerance are required.
Engineering bricks are applied in moisture-proof courses and basement construction, in other words, in locations where there is a lot of water or acid.
5. Facing Bricks
Facing bricks are incredibly attractive bricks that can be used on the façade of a wall, usually at the property’s main entrance. Various types, colors, and patterns of facing bricks are possible.
These types of bricks are very popular in India and are maintenance-free, temperature-resistant, and thermally insulating as they form the external surface.
6. Fire Bricks
The fire resistance of these bricks is exceptional. Fire bricks are widely used for the lining of structures where the temperature is extremely high, such as
- Chimneys
- Furnaces
- Ovens
In rural and dry places, these are widely used to construct frameworks.
7. Fly Ash Bricks
This type of brickwork block uses fly ash as a construction material. It is made up of class C or class F fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) and water that has been burned at a temperature of roughly 1,000 degrees Celsius.
These types of bricks are occasionally referred to as “self-cementing” due to the high concentration of calcium oxide (CaO) in class C fly ash. Fly ash clay brick is commonly used in:
- Foundations
- Pillars
- Structural walls
8. Jhama Bricks
These types of bricks are burnt at a very high temperature for a prolonged period of time. Thus, they’re referred to as “overburnt bricks.”
Jhama bricks are frequently used in the construction of concrete beams and slabs, as well as in areas with minimal water exposure.
9. Porotherm Smart Bricks
Porotherm hollow bricks are an innovative wall building component that is made of natural clay. These are hollow bricks that can be either horizontally perforated or vertically perforated. They are considerably much better than typical solid blocks of bricks since they are composed of natural materials and its hollow interior.
Many urban organizations use these bricks to lessen environmental impact and ensure that structures are safe and stable. These types of bricks are a popular walling material in metro areas and tier 2 cities in India.
10. Unburnt Clay Bricks or Sun-dried Bricks
Unburnt bricks are one of the earliest types of bricks. They were not fired in kilns and instead are dried in the sun to harden. Sun-dried bricks are less sturdy, less resistant to water, and less resistant to fire.
These types of bricks are typically found in rural regions in India or in temporary structures. The procedure of creating these bricks consists of three easy steps: clay preparation, molding, and sun drying.
Final Words
For every requirement, there are several types of brick crafted to help construct, restore, or reinforce the required infrastructure. They protect against weather-related adversity while also looking fashionable and exquisite.
Make sure you choose the right types of bricks, as they are literally the building blocks of your dream home!
FAQs
What are different types of bricks?
From sun-dried bricks to engineered bricks, there are various types of bricks available in the market in India. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of bricks used for construction in India.
- Burnt Clay Bricks
- Calcium Silicate Bricks
- Concrete Bricks
- Engineering Bricks
- Facing Bricks
- Fire Bricks
- Fly Ash Bricks
- Jhama Bricks
- Porotherm Smart Bricks
- Unburnt Clay Bricks or Sun-dried Bricks
How many types of burnt clay bricks are there in India?
The oldest and most extensively used construction material is burned clay bricks. They are categorized into four classes:
- First-class bricks
- Second-class bricks
- Third-class bricks
- Fourth-class bricks
Which bricks are good for foundation?
First-class bricks are more expensive than the others due to their higher build quality. These types of bricks are suggested for the construction of long-term constructions.