Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Types of bricks
3. Shapes of bricks
4. Uses of bricks
5. Advantages of bricks
6. Disadvantages of bricks 

Introduction

Bricks are solid and one of the most essential components of construction. These have been in use since 7500 BC, and through all these years, these have evolved in colour, texture, size, material and properties. Bricks were initially made out of mud and dried in sun. But with advancements in technology and growth in human knowledge, different types of bricks have been developed that are made of different materials, like sand, cement, gypsum, fly ash etc. 

Types of bricks

There are various types of bricks available in the market that are constructed through different processes and raw materials. Those different varieties of bricks are given below

1. Burnt clay bricks
2. Sun-dried bricks
3. Concrete bricks
4. Fly ash bricks
5. Calcium silicate bricks
6. Engineering bricks
7. Porotherm smart bricks
8. Fire bricks
9. Jhana bricks
10. Hollow bricks 

Shapes of bricks

Now, since you know about the different types of bricks, let us have a look at the different shapes of bricks available in the market. 

• Ordinary bricks

These are the ordinary bricks that are available in the market with rectangular faces and standard dimensions.

• Hollow bricks

The alternate name for hollow bricks is cavity bricks. These are the most used bricks in construction. These are about one-third the weight of ordinary bricks and can be laid faster than ordinary bricks. The presence of hollow walls acts as insulation against sound and heat.

• Perforated bricks

Perforated bricks have cylindrical holes through their thickness, which are done by pushing iron bars through the bricks at the time of preparation. These are lightweight and easy to handle.

• Channel bricks

Channel bricks are formed in the shape of a channel. They are moulded into the shape of a funnel in the middle. These are used for laying drains.

• Bullnose bricks

Bullnose bricks have one round angle and are used to round off sharp edges. The connection formed at the turn is called quoin. If two ends of brick are rounded, then it is called a double bullnose brick.

• Cownose bricks

These are double bullnose bricks that are moulded on both ends.

• Curved bricks

Curved bricks are used in the construction of the circular pillar because these are in the form of a curved sector.

Uses of Bricks

Bricks have their usage across various fields. As these are durable, strong and resistant to external adversities, they are used as a structural unit in buildings. And due to their different shapes, sizes and colours, these are used for aesthetic purposes.

• Bricks are used as a structural unit in footpaths, buildings, bridges, foundations, arches and brick floorings.
• Bricks are used to give an aesthetic finish to pavements, used for architectural purposes and can be used as facing brick.

Advantages of Bricks

Bricks are the structural unit of any building. These are just one among several materials available for construction. However, they are the most widely used and the most important amongst them and listed below are the reasons why.

• They are hard and durable.
• They have high compressive strength.
• They are economical and affordable.
• They are resistant to external adversities like fire, moisture, high temperature, sound and pests.
• They can be reused and recyclable.
• They have low maintenance costs.
• They produce less pollution during their production.
• They come in different shapes and sizes and can be thus used for different purposes.
• These are readily available, and easy to transport 

Disadvantagesof Bricks

• These are time-consuming and cannot be used in high seismic and sensitive zones.
• Their colour fades away with time and their quality reduces.
• They absorb water and this can cause dampness during rain or moist weather.
• These have low tensile strength.
• Cleaning them is a headache, as it can’t be done using a simple piece of cloth.

This article summarises the shapes, uses, advantages and disadvantages of bricks. Bricks are the building block of any building or construction because without them it wouldn’t happen. Whether it be those big skyscrapers, bridges, or pavements, all those architectural marvels have been completed using bricks. 

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