Masonry Magazine August 1989 Page. 19
Technical Notes on Brick Construction
Brick Institute of America 11490 Commerce Park Drive, Reston, Virginia 22091
9B
January 1989
MANUFACTURING, CLASSIFICATION AND SELECTION OF BRICK SELECTION - PART III
Abstract: This Technical Notes addresses the selection of brick. Evaluation of the proper-
ties and applications of brick determines the durability, appearance, and impression of a project.
Information is provided regarding aesthetics, cost and availability.
Key Words: abrasion, absorption, aesthetics, availability, brick, color, compressive strength, cost, durability, size, texture.
INTRODUCTION
The selection of brick is important in that it determines project's durability and appearance, and results in a lasting impression. It is necessary to identify which qualities and properties of brick are appropriate to consider in selecting a brick. Brick with a wide variety of strength, color, texture, size, shape and cost are available. The owner or designer must decide which characteristics of brick are most critical. This selection process can dictate the success of any project.
This Technical Notes addresses the properties and characteristics which must be considered in the selection of the appropriate brick for a project. Other Technical Notes in this series provide the fundamentals of brick manufacturing and classification of brick.
GENERAL
Brick selection is based on a number of factors. Not only are aesthetics and durability important, but strength, absorption, availability and cost are important to the owner, designers and contractors. The selection process can be difficult since each group is trying to satisfy different requirements. Typically, the final selection is based on a compromise from all parties involved.
Aesthetics
The use of brick as a building material dates back centuries. Because of brick's enduring qualities and limitless appearances, designers can satisfy their creative styles with brick. Brick is readily available in many sizes, colors, textures and shapes. These can be adapted to achieve virtually any desired style or expression.
The variety of sizes available are shown in Figure 1 (see back page). Brick's small module can be related to the scale of the wall. These sizes can be combined in such a way to create different appearances and patterns. Not only does brick size influence scale and appearance, but the size of brick influences wall cost because larger units require fewer brick, normally resulting in less labor. When specifying the size of units, dimensions should be listed in the following order: thickness by height by length.
Brick manufacturers also offer a wide variety of colors to choose from. Units whose colors range from reds and burgundys to whites and buffs are manufactured today. Many manufacturers produce over 100 colors. Many of these color variations are created during the firing process. Temperature variations and the order in which the units are stacked in the kiln determine shades of light and dark. Ceramic glazes or slurries can be applied to the surface to achieve colors not possible with some clays. The possibilities of using units of contrasting colors in bands or other patterns are endless. Sample panels, or mockups, can aid in selecting the desired color by showing the finished appearance.
Another aesthetic feature to consider when selecting brick is the texture. Textures on brick can be smooth, wirecut (velour), stippled, bark, brushed, and more. The texture interacts with light and creates differing and interesting shadows.
Unique design features can easily be achieved by using special brick shapes. Brick can be molded and formed into any shape, from simple sloped sill shapes to fancy water- table brick. For most manufacturers, molded shapes are easier to produce than extruded shapes, because the molded, or soft-mud process is more adaptable to making brick shapes than the extruded process. Making very large shapes can be difficult in either process because of problems with proper drying and firing.
Brick Institute of America
January 1989
Physical Properties
There are many physical properties which may influence the selection of brick. Some of these include durability, absorption, compressive strength and abrasion resistance. This Technical Notes will provide a basic understanding