What is it used for
Residential Construction
Concrete common bricks are extensively used in house construction for walls, foundations, and extensions due to their strength and affordability.
Commercial Buildings
These bricks are also used in commercial construction projects, providing robust and fire-resistant building solutions.
Infrastructure Projects
They are suitable for various infrastructure projects, including retaining walls, culverts, and other civil engineering applications.
Dimensions
Length: 215 mm
Width: 102.5 mm
Height: 65 mm
Volume: 0.0014324375 m³
Weight: Approximately 2.3 kg per brick
What it’s Made From
Cement
The primary binding material, providing strength and durability.
Aggregates
Includes sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which add bulk and stability.
Water
Essential for the hydration process, allowing the cement to bind the aggregates together.
Additives
These can include materials like fly ash, slag, and chemical admixtures to enhance workability, durability, and strength.
Variations
Lightweight Concrete Brick
Description: Made from lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay or shale, these bricks are lighter than traditional concrete bricks.
Applications: Ideal for non-load-bearing walls, partitions, and thermal insulation.
Features: Easier to handle and install, providing better thermal and acoustic insulation.
Dense Concrete Brick
Description: Manufactured with dense aggregates, offering higher strength and durability compared to standard concrete bricks.
Applications: Suitable for load-bearing walls, foundations, and high-strength applications.
Features: Greater compressive strength, durability, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
Aerated Concrete Brick
Description: Composed of aerated concrete, these bricks are lighter and provide better insulation due to the air pockets within the material.
Applications: Used in non-load-bearing walls, partitions, and structures requiring good thermal insulation.
Features: High thermal efficiency, lightweight, and ease of cutting and shaping.
Installation
Tools Required
Trowel | Spirit level | Brick hammer | Tape measure | Brick jointer
Materials Required
Concrete common bricks | Mortar mix | Water
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparation: Clear the area, lay a damp-proof course (DPC).
Mix Mortar: Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Lay Bricks: Start with a mortar bed, place bricks, check alignment.
Build Up: Lay bricks with mortar in between, ensure each layer is level.
Finish Joints: Use a brick jointer to smooth and shape the mortar joints.
Technical Specification
Compressive Strength: Typically ranges from 7 MPa to 20 MPa, suitable for load-bearing applications.
Water Absorption: Generally around 6-10%, affecting the durability and freeze-thaw resistance.
Density: Approximately 2000-2200 kg/m³, contributing to the structural weight.
Certification
BS EN 771-3: Specification for aggregate concrete masonry units.
ISO 14001: Environmental management certification ensuring sustainable practices.
Purchasing Quantities
Single Units
Ideal for small projects, repairs, or when only a few bricks are needed.
Pallets
Typically sold in bulk, with each pallet containing around 400 to 500 bricks. This option is suitable for medium to large construction projects.
Bundles
Smaller quantities than pallets, often sold in bundles of 10, 20, or 50 bricks, suitable for minor projects or additions.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability
Efforts include using recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement alternatives.
Alternative Options
Eco-friendly bricks made from recycled materials or sustainable concrete alternatives.