How to Test for a Good Quality Brick in the UK
In the UK, bricks undergo various tests to ensure that they are fit for purpose and suitable for the construction job at hand. These are typically conducted at multiple stages of the brick manufacturing process before being distributed for use. From then, brick suppliers such as Modular Clay Products can determine the best types of bricks that commercial architects can use for upcoming projects or renovations.
This short guide will outline what types of facing brick tests there are, what’s involved in each one and why they’re essential.
Testing Quality of Bricks
Bricks are some of the oldest and most relied-upon building materials, primarily due to their excellent practical and structural qualities. They’re also durable, reliable and relatively cost-effective compared to other structural materials, and they also offer an incredible variety of aesthetic qualities. Bricks are available in different textures, sizes, shapes and can come in numerous colour variations.
Regardless of the brick type you’d request for a commercial building – and a few of our clients have asked for bespoke brick blends – each one would need to be tested. Deciding on these building materials’ quality requires a series of brick tests, determining their suitability for the commercial building project. This includes the following tests:
- Absorption
- Crushing strength
- Hardness
- Colour
- Soundness
- Shape and size
- Structure
- Efflorescence
Types of Brick Tests Conducted
We have explained a little more information about each of the above tests to give you a clearer understanding of what’s involved:
Brick Absorption Tests
These tests are carried out to assess how much moisture the brick can absorb under extreme weather conditions. Sample dry bricks are weighed and subsequently immersed in water for 24 hours, the difference in weight is recorded.
Brick Crushing Strength Tests
Using compression machines, a load is applied to the brick until it breaks. The minimum crushing strength of bricks should be 3.50N/mm², any less, and that brick is unsuitable for construction.
Brick Hardness Tests
High-quality clay bricks should resist scratches against sharp objects. If there are no scratch impressions, then it’s hard enough to be used.
Brick Colour Tests
Brick colour should always be consistent across its entire body. Luckily, there are numerous choices available for anyone who wants a unique brick colour, from red stock bricks to blue engineering bricks and even yellow glazed bricks, plus everything in between.
Brick Soundness Tests
Two bricks are struck with one another to assess how they perform against sudden impact. There should be a clear ringing sound heard, and the bricks should not break. If not, these bricks shouldn’t be used.
Brick Shape Tests
Brick size should be the same across all products whenever they’re ordered. Common clay facing bricks should be rectangular with sharp edges; in the UK, the standard brick size is 19cm x 9cm x 9cm. If all these bricks are the same size, then they’re fit to use in construction. For more information on different brick shapes, refer to our previous blog here.
Brick Structure Tests
One brick should be sacrificed and broken to determine its structure and composition. This test is important because it can unveil lumps and imperfections in the bricks’ inner portions, which, if ignored, can have structural implications.
Brick Efflorescence Test
There shouldn’t be any soluble salts in any bricks; these cause efflorescence on their surfaces. To check for salts, immerse the brick in water for 24 hours, dry them in the shade, and check the exterior. Any white or grey discolouration will render the brick unusable.