Construction Materials: Masonry — Bricks and Concrete Blocks — CSEC Building Technology
Bricks and concrete blocks are the main masonry units used to build walls.
Clay bricks
- Made by moulding clay, then firing (burning) in a kiln to harden them.
- Parts of a brick: the bed (large face it is laid on), the frog (recess that holds mortar), the header (short end) and stretcher (long face).
- Tested for compressive strength, water absorption and durability.
Concrete blocks
- Made from cement, aggregate (sand and stone) and water, moulded and cured (kept moist) to gain strength.
- Hollow blocks are lighter, cheaper and faster to lay; the voids can carry services or reinforcement.
- Solid blocks are used where greater strength is needed.
Mortar
Mortar (cement, sand and water) bonds the units together, spreads the load and seals against weather. Joints should be even and fully filled.
Properties of masonry
Masonry walls are strong, durable and fire-resistant, and provide good sound insulation. They are heavy, so they need adequate foundations.
Exam tips
- Clay bricks are hardened by firing in a kiln.
- Concrete blocks = cement + aggregate + water, then cured.
- Mortar bonds bricks/blocks together.
- Know brick parts: bed, frog, header, stretcher.