A brick is a type of block used to build walls, pavements and other elements in masonry construction. Properly, the term brick denotes a block composed of dried clay but is now also used informally to denote other chemically cured construction blocks. Bricks can be joined together using mortar, adhesives or by interlocking them. Bricks are produced in numerous classes, types, materials and sizes which vary with region and time period and are produced in bulk quantities.
Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash bricks are improved type of bricks used for construction of brick masonry structures. They are normally used as replacement for normal clay bricks and have relatively better properties. The basic composition of fly ash bricks are:
- Fly ash
- Cement
- Sand
- Water
The appearance of fly ash bricks is very appealing due to its wonderful color like cement, uniform size and smooth finish. Due to uniform size, mortar required for walls and plastering reduces almost by 40-50%. Gypsum plaster, putty can be applied directly without a baking coat of plaster. These bricks are free from cracks, wrap age, organic matter, pebbles and nodules of free lime.
These bricks are highly durable and less permeable. The lower permeability can efficiently reduce the effect of efflorescence on bricks. These bricks are less porous, absorb less water and reduce dampness on the walls. It is also highly resistant to attack by mild acid, water and sulfate.
Fly ash bricks are more eco-friendly as they are made of waste materials that come from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. There is no pollution or environmental damage. They are usually considered as a white category product.
What You Need To Know About Fly Ash Bricks
- Fly ash bricks are made in moulds and therefore they are always uniform in shape.
- The compressive strength of fly ash brick is around 100 kg/cm2.
- The color of fly ash brick is uniform as the manufacturing is carried out in moulds in a controlled condition.
- Fly ash bricks are more eco-friendly as they are made of waste materials that come from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants.
- Fly ash bricks are less porous.
- With fly ash bricks, there is less breakages.
- Fly ash brick has water absorption of about 6-12%.
- The cost of fly ash brick is approximately 30% lower than clay brick.
- Fly ash bricks are lighter as the main composition is fly ash.
- Surface finish is even and joints are thinner.
- Fly ash bricks are stronger and denser than clay bricks.
- Less mortar is required in fly ash brick construction than clay brick construction.
- Fly ash bricks can absorb more vibration than clay bricks.
Clay Bricks
Clay brick is one of the oldest building materials and has been used since the early civilizations. It is a common construction material found all over the world. Clay bricks are simply produced by mixing clay and water. Hardening methods evolved from sun drying to industrial ovens, which allowed strength and durability to increase. Clay bricks expand or contract with increases or decreases in moisture content.
Clay bricks don’t wear out like many man-made materials and requires little to no upkeep or repairs. Clay bricks are rust proof, will not erode, rot, decay, bend or warp nor do they require paint or other treatment to maintain aesthetics and durability.
There are numerous examples of clay brick buildings around the world that have endured centauries of rough climatic conditions and wars, therefore, clay brick is timeless, age resistant and structurally sound material that is worth considering for home owners. The benefits it offers can help assure you of your decision for years to come, as well as comfort while you enjoy your home.
What You Need To Know About Clay Bricks
- Clay bricks are uneven in shape and size as they are hand-made.
- Compressive strength of clay brick is around 35 kg/cm2
- The color of clay brick is not uniform because the color depends upon the type of soil and quality control during production.
- Use of clay bricks is not eco-friendly, because production of clay bricks leads to extensive loss of fertile top most soil. This could be a total environment hazard.
- Clay bricks are more porous.
- With clay bricks, there are more breakages.
- Clay brick has water absorption of about 20-25%.
- The cost of clay brick is higher than fly as brick.
- Clay bricks are heavier as compared to fly ash bricks.
- Surface finish is not even.
- Clay bricks are less rigid and less dense when compared to fly ash bricks.
- More mortar is required in clay brick construction than fly ash brick construction.
- Clay bricks can absorb less vibration than fly ash brick.
Also Read: Difference Between I-Beam And H-Beam
Difference Between Fly Ash Bricks And Clay Bricks In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | FLY ASH BRICKS | CLAY BRICKS |
| Shape | Fly ash bricks are made in moulds and therefore they are always uniform in shape. | Clay bricks are uneven in shape and size as they are hand-made. |
| Strength | The compressive strength of fly ash brick is around 100 kg/cm2. | Compressive strength of clay brick is around 35 kg/cm2 |
| Color | The color of fly ash brick is uniform as the manufacturing is carried out in moulds in a controlled condition. | The color of clay brick is not uniform because the color depends upon the type of soil and quality control during production. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Fly ash bricks are more eco-friendly as they are made of waste materials that come from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. | Use of clay bricks is not eco-friendly, because production of clay bricks leads to extensive loss of fertile top most soil. This could be a total environment hazard. |
| Porosity | Fly ash bricks are less porous. | Clay bricks are more porous. |
| Breakages | With fly ash bricks, there is less breakages. | With clay bricks, there are more breakages. |
| Water Absorption | Fly ash brick has water absorption of about 6-12%. | Clay brick has water absorption of about 20-25%. |
| Cost | The cost of fly ash brick is approximately 30% lower than clay brick. | The cost of clay brick is higher than fly as brick. |
| Weight | Fly ash bricks are lighter as the main composition is fly ash. | Clay bricks are heavier as compared to fly ash bricks. |
| Surface Finish | Surface finish is even and joints are thinner. | Surface finish is not even. |
| Strength & Density | Fly ash bricks are stronger and denser than clay bricks. | Clay bricks are less rigid and less dense when compared to fly ash bricks. |
| Quantity of Mortar | Less mortar is required in fly ash brick construction than clay brick construction. | More mortar is required in clay brick construction than fly ash brick construction. |
| Vibrations | Fly ash bricks can absorb more vibration than clay bricks. | Clay bricks can absorb less vibration than fly ash brick. |