What is it used for
Residential Construction
Used to create precise and level courses in brick walls, ensuring structural integrity and alignment in home building.
Commercial Construction
Essential in commercial projects for achieving accurate heights and dimensions in large brickwork structures, enhancing both stability and appearance.
Industrial Construction
Utilized in industrial settings to maintain consistent levels in brickwork for facilities and large-scale buildings, supporting heavy loads and machinery.
Dimensions
Length: 215 mm
Width: 100 mm
Height: 65 mm
Volume: 0.001397 m³
Weight: Approximately 3 kg per block
Colour: Grey
What it’s Made From
Cement
The primary binding material, providing strength and durability to the brick.
Aggregates
Includes sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which add bulk and stability to the brick.
Water
Essential for the hydration process, which allows 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
Standard Concrete Coursing Brick
Description: A typical gray concrete brick used for leveling and height adjustments in brickwork courses.
Applications: Commonly used to maintain uniform brick courses, providing structural support and ensuring even wall construction.
Lightweight Concrete Coursing Brick
Description: Made from lightweight aggregates, reducing the overall weight while maintaining strength.
Applications: Ideal for use in non-load-bearing walls, partitions, and situations where reduced weight is advantageous without compromising structural integrity.
Insulated Concrete Coursing Brick
Description: Incorporates insulation materials to enhance thermal properties and reduce heat transfer.
Applications: Suitable for external walls and cavity walls, providing additional insulation and improving energy efficiency in buildings.
Installation
Tools Required
Trowel | Spirit level | Brick hammer | Tape measure | Brick jointer
Materials Required
Concrete coursing bricks | Mortar mix | Water
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparation: Clear the area and lay a damp-proof course if necessary.
Mix Mortar: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing mortar.
Lay Bricks: Start with a mortar bed, place the coursing bricks, and check alignment.
Build Up: Continue laying bricks with mortar in between, ensuring each layer is level.
Adjust Levels: Use the bricks to adjust the height and level of the structure as needed.
Complete: Fill gaps with mortar, smooth joints, and clean off excess mortar.
Technical Specification
Compressive Strength: 7-10 MPa
Water Absorption: < 15%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.51 W/mK
Density: 1900-2100 kg/m³
Certification
BS EN 771-3: British Standard for concrete bricks and blocks.
ISO 9001: Quality management standards for consistent production quality.
Purchasing Quantities
Single Units
Ideal for small projects, repairs, or when only a few bricks are required.
Bundles
Available in smaller quantities than pallets, often sold in bundles of 10, 20, or 50 bricks, suitable for minor projects or additions.
Pallets
Typically offered in bulk, with each pallet containing around 300 to 500 bricks. Suitable for medium to large construction projects.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability Considerations
Production of concrete coursing bricks involves significant energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, they can be produced using recycled materials, reducing their environmental footprint.
Eco-friendly Alternatives
Opt for bricks made with recycled aggregates or supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash to minimize environmental impact.
Waste Reduction
Using precise quantities and reducing off-cuts can minimize waste. Leftover materials should be recycled or disposed of responsibly.
Energy Efficiency
Concrete coursing bricks can contribute to thermal mass in buildings, enhancing energy efficiency by maintaining stable indoor temperatures.