Author: Haroon Khalil

The following factors are to be considered in the selection of a site for brick earth:

Brick earth in the field has to be tested for consistency, moulding properties and shrinkage. In order to test for the first property, a handful of soil sample is taken and formed into a ball. The ball is dried in the sun and then examined. Crumbling of the dried ball shows the presence of excess…

Naturally available soil may contain ingredients other than those required for making quality bricks, which are discussed below. 1. Alkalis Alkalis in the form of soda and potash lower the fusion point of clay, and cause bricks to fuse, twist and warp during burning. Alkalis present in bricks absorb moisture from the atmosphere and create…

The desirable chemical composition of brick earth for good quality bricks are given below (IS: 1077, 1976):

1. Alumina This is the main constituent of every kind of brick earth. This imparts plasticity to the earth so that it can be moulded. If alumina is present in excess, it leads to shrinking and warping during drying and burning. This can be prevented by the addition of sand. 2. Silica It exists in…

The main constituents of good brick earth are alumina, silica, lime, oxide of iron and magnesia.

Bricks have been in use since the dawn of civilization. In the initial stages they were used as sun-dried bricks. Burnt bricks have succeeded sun-dried bricks. It has been reported that bricks have been used to build monuments in different parts of the world. Refined brick making and burning techniques have remarkably improved the quality…