SPECIAL TYPES OF BRICKS

SPECIAL TYPES OF BRICKS

              Bricks are made in a wide range of shapes and to suit the requirements of the location where they are to be used. Special form of bricks may be needed due to structural consideration or for ornamental decoration as defined by the architect. Specially moulded bricks avoid the cumbersome process of cutting and rounding the rectangular bricks to the desired shape. Some of the special types of bricks commonly used are given below.

a. Squint bricks

b. Bult nosed bricks

c. Perforated bricks

d. Hallow bricks

e. Circular bricks

f. Coping bricks

g. Paving bricks

a. Squint Bricks: These bricks are made in a variety of shapes and are used to the construction of a cute and obtuse squint quoins asshown in the fig.

b. Bull Nosed Bricks: These bricks are used to form rounded quoins.

c. Perforated Bricks: These bricks may be standard size bricks produced with perforations running through their thickness. Perforated bricks are easy to burn and their light weight makes it possible to cut down the weight of the structure and effect in foundations. The aperture of the perforations is such that it gives

maximum amount of ventilation. But does not permit the entry of rats or mice. These bricks are used for constructing load bearing walls of low buildings, panel walls for multistoried buildings and for providing partition walls.

d. Hallow Bricks: These bricks are made of clay and are provided with one or more cavities. Hallow bricks are light in weight and are used to increase insulation against heat and dampness. They are used for the construction of load bearing walls, partition walls or panel walls to multistoried buildings.

e. Circular Bricks: These bricks have internal and external faces curved to meet the requirement of the particular curve and radius of the wall. These bricks are used for wells, towers etc

f. Plinth cornice and String Course Brick: These bricks are moulded in several patterns with the object of adding architectural beauty to the structure and at the same time to helping to throw the rack water off the face of the walls.

g. Coping Bricks: These bricks are manufactured in a variety of shapes to set the thickness of the wall and are throated on the underside to throw off rain water as shown in the fig

h. Paving Bricks: These bricks are specially made for paving the surface of streets and highways. These bricks are usually made from shale, fire clay on a mixture of the two. They are unaffected by weather and ordinary traffic wear. They are loaded on the bed of sand which in term rests on foundation of stone or concrete. The bricks are laid by grouting with cement mortar or asphalt.

They are machine moulded and are burnt in a continuous kiln to

ensure high degree of vitrification.