


Actual dimensions: As you might expect, the actual dimensions are the dimensions of a brick once it’s manufactured: the actual end product.These are used in the project specifications, purchase orders, and when working with non-modular bricks. Specified dimensions: The anticipated dimensions of the brick itself, apart from the mortar, are the specified dimensions.When discussing brick sizing, three kinds of dimensions may be referenced: The sizes provided are industry standards for common bricks. While it’s important to keep in mind that sizes do vary, we’ll be focusing on U.S. Standard Brick Size in Inches (D x H x L) Here are the specified dimensions of standard bricks in a few different countries. Standard brick dimensions may be expressed in either imperial units, in terms of inches, or metric units, as millimeters. Standard brick sizes vary from country to country, with dimensions written as depth x height x length (D x H x L). Various types of brick can be used for construction projects including bridges, buildings, pavement (particularly common in the 19th and near the turn of the 20th century), and aqueducts. They can also be classified as facing brick (smoother and designed to be attractive) or common brick, which doesn’t undergo any special surface treatment or color alteration.įacing, or face brick, is most commonly used to make a good impression in places with high visibility, such as fireplaces and entries.īricks come in different sizes, and brick lengths can vary. Fourth-class bricks can break easily and aren’t used in building structures. Calcium oxide is a chemical derivative used in cement production.Ĭlay bricks, the most familiar, are baked or fired in a kiln.īrick can be ranked according to quality, with first-class bricks being the best. They’re also called self-cementing bricks because of their high calcium oxide - or quicklime - concentration. Fly ash bricks are lighter but strong and provide good insulation. There are several brick types, which can be made using materials including clay concrete sand and lime and fly ash and water. Today, brick can be laid by hand or with the help of heavy equipment. Egyptians added straw to clay bricks to add stability and durability by helping the clay bind together. Initially, mud bricks were made in warm climates where they could be dried and hardened in the sun. Brickmaking dates back some 9,000 years, to a time when the first bricks were made in southern Turkey and around the walled city of Jericho on the west bank of the Jordan River. Brick is a common building material, and it’s one of the oldest.
