1. CLASSIFICATION OF BRICKS
• Sun-dried or Kacha Bricks
• Burns or Pucca Bricks
• First Class Bricks
• Second class bricks
• Third class or pilla bricks
• Overburnt or Jhama bricks
2. TEST ON BRICKS
1.Compressive Strength Test: This test determines the maximum load-bearing capacity of a brick. A sample brick is subjected to a
compressive force until it fails. The compressive strength is calculated by dividing the maximum load at failure by the cross-sectional
area of the brick.
2.Water Absorption Test: This test measures the amount of water absorbed by a brick when immersed in water for a specified
duration. It helps assess the brick's porosity and moisture resistance. The water absorption is expressed as a percentage of the weight
of the dry brick.
3.Efflorescence Test: Efflorescence refers to the white powdery deposits that appear on the surface of bricks due to the migration of
soluble salts. In this test, bricks are soaked in water, and any efflorescence that appears on the surface is observed and rated. The test
helps evaluate the brick's resistance to efflorescence.
4.Dimensional Stability Test: This test assesses the dimensional changes that occur in a brick due to moisture expansion or drying
shrinkage. Bricks are measured before and after exposure to moisture or drying, and any changes in dimensions are recorded.
5.Soundness Test: This test determines the ability of a brick to withstand sudden changes in temperature. Bricks are subjected to
alternate immersion in boiling water and cold water. Any signs of cracking, splitting, or disintegration are observed.
6.Density Test: This test determines the density of the brick by measuring its mass and volume. The density is calculated by dividing
the mass of the brick by its volume. It helps assess the brick's weight and compactness.
7.Thermal Conductivity Test: This test measures the ability of a brick to conduct heat. It helps evaluate the insulation properties of
the brick. Thermal conductivity is determined by measuring the rate of heat transfer through a brick of known thickness.
3. TYPES OF BRICK BONDS:
1.Stretcher Bond: Stretcher bond is the simplest and most commonly used bond pattern. In this bond, bricks
are laid in a row with their long sides (stretchers) facing outward. Each brick overlaps halfway with the adjacen
bricks in the course above and below. This creates a strong, continuous vertical line of bricks.
2.English Bond: English bond is a traditional bond pattern that alternates rows of stretchers and headers. In
each course, a row of stretchers is followed by a row of headers. This pattern provides good strength and
stability to the masonry wall. The headers help distribute the load more evenly and create a visually pleasing
pattern.
3.Flemish Bond: Flemish bond is another popular bond pattern that creates an alternating pattern of headers an
stretchers in each course. However, unlike English bond, Flemish bond has headers placed at the center of each
stretcher. This creates a more visually appealing pattern with alternating headers and stretchers on the face of th
wall.
4.Header Bond: In header bond, all the bricks are laid as headers, with their short sides facing outward. This
bond pattern is commonly used for thin walls or partition walls where load-bearing capacity is not a primary
concern
6.Stack Bond: Stack bond is a bond pattern where bricks are stacked directly on top of each other in vertical
alignment. This bond does not provide much strength and is primarily used for decorative purposes or for non-
