NTS STUDY: Weight of Brickwork, Storage, and Special Purpose Bricks

Weight of Brickwork, Storage, and Special Purpose Bricks

Understanding the weight of masonry is essential for the structural design of buildings.

Density: The density of brickwork is generally taken as 18 to 19 kN/m³.
Average Weight: A single brick weighs approximately 3 to 3.5 kg, depending on its density.
Wall Deadweight: For a 225 mm (9-inch) thick wall, the deadweight is taken as 4.1 to 4.4 kN/m per meter of height.
Lightweight Options: Hollow bricks can weigh as little as one-third (1/3) of a standard brick. Similarly, hollow concrete blocks can be used to reduce the overall deadweight of masonry in buildings.

Bricks are usually not stored for long periods as they are typically used in construction as soon as they are delivered to the site.

Stacking: Each truckload should be stacked in separate piles on the ground.
Height: The height of the stacks should not exceed a level that is convenient for a person to remove them manually.
Weather Protection: If the bricks are weak or prone to damage by rain, they must be stored in a covered shed during the rainy season.

Certain bricks are manufactured for specific technical purposes:

Facing Bricks: These are made from selected clays that provide a specific color upon burning or through special coloring agents. They are pressed in special molds to ensure a high-quality surface finish.
Fireclay (Refractory) Bricks: Used for lining equipment like furnaces, digesters, and ovens. They are made from a special clay called fireclay and are designed to withstand very high temperatures in chimneys and kilns. These must be laid using fireclay mortar rather than cement mortar.
Acid-Resistant Bricks: Manufactured with low clay content and fired at high temperatures to convert components into crystalline minerals. These minerals are insoluble in acids and alkalis.
Forsterite Bricks: Made from olivine rock mixed with magnesia. The primary mineral is Forsterite ( $2\text{ MgO, SiO}_2$ ), which is very stable at high temperatures. They are used in open-hearth and refining furnaces.
Silicon Carbide Bricks: Composed of carbon and silicon, these are used in electric resistance furnaces. They are inert to all acids and serve as excellent fire-resistant materials.