Masonry units tested for strength and water absorption.
Clay bricks (strength 10–40 MPa, water absorption <20%), concrete blocks, AAC and fly-ash bricks are standard units. Tests: compressive strength, absorption, efflorescence, dimension tolerance. Bond patterns (stretcher, header, English, Flemish) distribute loads.
A standard brick measures 215×102.5×65 mm.
Bricks and blocks must meet strength and absorption limits to perform in a wall, especially in wet or freezing conditions.
Masonry units tested for strength and water absorption.
Bricks and blocks must meet strength and absorption limits to perform in a wall, especially in wet or freezing conditions.
It indicates the porosity and frost resistance of the unit, and high absorption can lead to damage in freeze-thaw conditions.
A brick, block or stone unit used with mortar to build walls, with standard sizes that suit bonding patterns.
Typical applications include testing a batch of clay bricks for compressive strength before use, choosing a block with low water absorption for a basement wall and rejecting bricks that show efflorescence or cracking on delivery.
Study "Timber and masonry" first (topic 16 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Frog and perforations. Mortar proportions 1:4 to 1:6. Damp-proof course.
A standard brick measures 215×102.5×65 mm.
The next topic is "Surveying basics", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Beginner in Civil & Structural (topic 17 of 112). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.
Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.