Block is a similar term referring to a rectangular building unit composed of similar materials,

but is usually larger than a brick. Lightweight bricks (also called lightweight blocks) are made
from expanded clay aggregate.

Fired bricks are one of the longest-lasting and strongest building materials, sometimes
referred to as artificial stone, and have been used since circa 4000 BC. Air-dried bricks, also
known as mudbricks, have a history older than fired bricks, and have an additional ingredient
of a mechanical binder such as straw.

Bricks are laid in courses and numerous patterns known as bonds, collectively known as
brickwork, and may be laid in various kinds of mortar to hold the bricks together to make a
durable structure.

But then there is cement.

And then bricks. And then.

Most bricks are made of clay that has been purified, dried and heated in a kiln. They also can
be made of cement or shale.

Clay bricks are the most common because they are much stronger than cement. If they are a
refractory brick, they are still made of clay but they get compressed before entering the kiln,
so they have a much greater mass and more strength in building.

There are 2 sizes of 'bricks': standard and modular. Modular bricks are designed to suit the
metric system and are at 100mm increments (90mm + 10mm mortar).

Many buildings, especially residential, are measured in brick courses, rather than actual
dimensions.

There are 2 sizes of 'bricks': standard and modular. Modular bricks are designed to suit the
metric system and are at 100mm increments (90mm + 10mm mortar).

Many buildings, especially residential, are measured in brick courses, rather than actual
dimensions.

6. Sand Lime or Calcium Silicate Bricks

Calcium silicate bricks are made of sand and lime and popularly known as sand lime bricks.
These bricks are used for several purposes in construction industries such as ornamental
works in buildings, masonry works etc.

Read More on Calcium Silicate Bricks or Sand Lime Bricks for Masonry Construction

Identification of Bricks Quality at Construction Site

To build a good quality structure, observing quality of materials is important. Here we discuss
about how good bricks are identified at construction site.
Uses of Different Types of Bricks

Bricks are widely used in construction industry for different purposes as following.

 Good quality bricks (1st and 2nd class) are used in the construction of buildings, tunnels,
pitching works etc.
 3rd class and unburnt bricks are used for temporary structures.

 4th class bricks are used as aggregate for making concrete.

 Bricks are also used for architectural purposes to give aesthetic appearance to the structure.