Hollow ceramic brick: characteristics and application

Bricks have been used for the construction of various structures since ancient times. Such structures are distinguished by their durability and reliability. The most common is brick, which is made from certain types of clay, which determines its operational characteristics, while observing the technological process during production.

A brick is made using a complex technology, and the process itself is carried out in several stages. Today, two manufacturing methods are used.

1. Formation of a stone from a mass of clay with a water content. For production, a press is used to form products, and then the blanks are dried in chambers and subsequently fired.
2. The technology of pressing is used under maximum pressure, which reaches 15 atmospheres.

Drying is carried out by the tonal or chamber method, as a result of which the workpieces are placed in an environment with a certain humidity and temperature. After that, firing occurs at temperatures up to 1500 degrees, and the firing time is two to three hours so that there is no moisture left in the structure. This allows for high strength.

The raw materials are used in fine fractions, and they are usually mined by an open method. Then it is sieved and, if necessary, crushed. It is advisable to use the same raw materials for the production of one batch, so that the products are not marked for mineral composition and color.

In this way, ordinary and facing bricks are produced.

From the use of a particular technological process, the following types of products can be obtained:

• shaped;
• front;
• glazed;
• curly.

These are the main parameters that a building stone must meet. When buying, you must initially determine the type of masonry and choose the optimal type of brick for work. Consider the requirements that are put forward for this type of building material.

Brick parameters are determined by its structure. The main indicator is density. It is influenced by the composition of the raw material and its fraction. Depending on the density, the product class is determined, which is 1.8-2.4. Density information is needed to perform design work and determine the load on the base, as well as to understand the degree of strength of the building itself and its load-bearing elements.

To increase the thermal conductivity and reduce the mass of the brick, voids of various shapes can be made in it. Such a brick is facing or ordinary. The depth and shape of the voids is determined by technology. In addition, the location of the voids determines the strength of the product.

It is determined by the internal structure of the product. Indicators are different, which affects the cost of a brick. Such indicators are important when erecting external walls, their thickness depends on it.

Since clay is used in the manufacture of bricks, this material can absorb water. The coefficient is determined by various factors, and depends mainly on the density of the product. Water absorption can range from 6 to 14%, and this is the norm. Therefore, any building that is made of brick can stand for a certain period until the beginning of destruction.

Ceramic products are widely used in various climatic zones and can withstand severe frosts. In accordance with the standards, each product must withstand a certain amount of frost / defrost. This contributes to the correct calculation when choosing materials.

The fire safety of each building is determined by the type of material from which it is made. The ceramic product does not burn. It has great fire resistance and can withstand high temperatures for over 5 hours. This stone is fire resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees. Nevertheless, it is still not recommended to build a chimney or fireplace from it, since the constant exposure to heat will gradually destroy the material.

Application involves the use for construction:

• educational institutions;
• residential buildings;
• cafes, canteens;
• production facilities and so on.

In the production of bricks, it is important to follow the manufacturing rules and parameters, which is controlled by GOST No. 530.

Currently, bricks are produced in the following formats:

• Euro;

• normal;

• modular;

• thickened.

Transportation of this type of material is allowed by various types of transport, subject to certain rules. To ensure the safety of materials during transport, they are stacked on pallets. Bulk transport is not permitted, which could result in damage.

Ceramic bricks are laid out orderly, which ensures its ligation. It is recommended to make reinforcement every 5-6 rows of bricks to strengthen the walls. When laying, the cords are pulled, which ensure the flatness of the base and facilitate work. Masonry starts from the corners with strict observance of horizontal position.

Let's dwell on some tips from bricklayers:

• in order to avoid differences in the color of building stones, you need to purchase them to fulfill the entire construction order from one batch;
• it is recommended to moisten hollow bricks with water before laying in order to achieve greater strength of the base;
• when laying, care must be taken that the mortar does not dry out quickly in the wall, and other external factors do not affect it until it grabs;
• it is better to lay the masonry at a temperature not lower than +10 degrees;
• when laying walls in winter, plasticizers must be added to the solution so that it does not freeze and cracks do not appear on the base;
• it is recommended to order the volume of bricks for carrying out work by 10% more than is required according to the calculations;
• Before buying, you need to check the quality certificates for the products.

You will learn about the production and laying of ceramic bricks from the video.