Engineering bricks are the unsung hero of the brick world.FACT
Not as pretty as facing bricks nor as characterful as commons, engineering brick is used where appearances are less important and performance is the number one priority.
Produced using specific manufacturing techniques to ensure unparalleled strength and durability, it’s fair to say that there’s more to engineering brick than meets the eye!
At Heritage Bricks we think it’s about time that this underdog received the recognition it deserves. So here’s what you need to know about engineering brick.
What are engineering bricks?
Tough, hard wearing, strong and durable; engineering bricks are characterised by their physical properties rather than their appearance.
There are two classes of engineering brick, Class A and Class B. Both are typically a smooth, perforated, wire-cut brick featuring high compressive strength and low water absorption.
Class A bricks must have a compressive strength greater than 125N/mm2 and water absorption of less than 4.5 per cent.
Class B engineering bricks have a compressive strength in excess of 75N/mm2 and water absorption of less than 7 per cent.
When is engineering brick used?
Engineering bricks are used where strength and durability are required, or to meet specific technical and structural performance criteria in civil engineering projects.
They are suitable for structures that are likely to be exposed to wet and freezing conditions and are commonly seen in retaining walls, sewers, roads, bridges, damp proof courses and general ground works.
Engineering bricks are not usually recommended for facing work as they are not likely to have been inspected for minor imperfections or consistency of colour as would normally be the case with a facing brick.
How is engineering brick made?
The basic principles of manufacture are fairly uniform for all brick types. Ground and crushed clay is mixed with water, formed into the desired shape, dried slowly to reduce the moisture content and then fired in a kiln at the desired temperature.
Engineering brick is manufactured to be denser, stronger and have a lower absorption rate than ordinary facing bricks and these factors are dictated by the properties of the clay, the method of manufacture and the temperature of firing.
Higher compressive strength values and lower water absorption values are associated with higher firing temperatures, and for that reason engineering bricks are fired to near-ceramic temperatures.
Ordinary facing bricks are fired at much lower temperatures which allow the colour and texture of the brick to be more easily controlled.
In conclusion
Out of sight and out of mind, engineering bricks are quietly supporting infrastructure, civil engineering projects and many of our homes across the UK.
They will often never be seen but without them many of the buildings and facilities we take for granted would not exist.
At Heritage Bricks we are able to supply traditional engineering bricks for your project in both standard and non-standard sizes.
So give us a call to discuss your requirements and find out why there’s more to engineering brick than meets the eye!
