Identify Quality of Bricks for House Construction Purpose

There are three types of  bricks
•First Class Bricks
•Second Class Bricks
•Third Class Bricks

Specification of First Class Bricks


•Made of good earth which is free from saline deposits and are sand molded.
•Burnt thoroughly without being vitrified and have deep red, cherry and copper color.

•Regular and uniform in shape and size with sharp and square edges and parallel faces.
•Must be homogeneous in texture and emit a clear ringing sound on being struck together.

•Free from flaws, cracks, chops, stones and lime.
•Should not absorb water more than 20% of its own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
•Have a minimum crushing strength of 105 kg per sq. cm when tested according to the test.
•Should not show appreciable sign of efflorescence either in dry state or subsequent to soaking in water.

NOTE: As per guidelines of all wings of the Government, semi-Government departments and other construction departments, First Class Brick tiles should be used for construction works.
Specification of Second Class Bricks


•They shall be well burnt or slightly over burnt.
•They must give clear ringing sound when struck.
•The may have slight irregularities in size, shape and color.
•They may have slight chips, flaws or surface crack but must be free from lime or kankar.
•The minimum crushing strength of second class brick should be 70 kg per sq cm.

Specification of Third Class Bricks


•These bricks are slightly under burnt or over burnt.
•They are not uniform in shape, size and edges.
•They shall not observe water more than 25% of their own dry weight after 24 hours, immersion in cold water.
•They have some signs of efflorescence.