Brick is a block made from clay that can be used for decoration and other purposes. Additionally, its durability makes it highly resistant to explosions.
Making bricks requires only three basic materials: clay, soil and water. You can combine these to produce different styles of bricks.
Let’s dive into how to make a brick!
How to Make a Brick Using Clay
Clay is an extremely versatile material used for multiple applications ranging from brick making to dam protection and folk medicine remedies for poisons in the stomach absorption, and as weaponry in Iron Age warfare.
Plasticity of clay – its ability to form into desired shapes – is integral to pottery making and is available in numerous different clay varieties.
There are four primary types of clay bricks. Each variety possesses its own set of traits and uses.
First-class bricks are of the highest quality, often used in residential construction projects. These bricks feature no cracks, uniform structures, and superior sound insulation properties.
Second-class bricks are typically less strong and feature irregular dimensions as well as cracks or discoloration in their surfaces. As these bricks have not been properly heat treated, their lifespan is typically reduced compared to first-class options.
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Soil
For optimal brick production, soil with high clay content and water are required. Hillside soils are preferable, though weather-eroded material also works.
Test the soil to ensure it contains enough clay to form strong bricks. For optimal results, mix a ratio of 40% soil to 60% clay.
Pour the mixture into either a wheelbarrow or trough, depending on how many bricks you need to create. Make sure it holds its shape well while being soft enough to fill all molds without deforming.
For small projects, use a wheelbarrow; however, for large scale brick making operations you may require to dig a pit.
Earth is mixed with water until the desired consistency is reached, then tempered in a pug mill for additional hardening and plasticity.
Water
Even those without access to traditional bricks can create their own mudbricks at home with just some basic ingredients and tools. Combine mud, water and straw into a thick mixture that can then be used to form bricks.
Mudbricks are similar to adobe in that they provide a cost-cutting way of building materials, and can also make great mud houses if given enough room and interest.
Before laying bricks, using water to dampen them ensures that mortar bonds to them correctly and provides stronger results than dry bricks.
Water can help dampen bricks so that they are easier to work with, enabling you to build with smaller pieces than would be the case had they dried out completely.
Water bricks make for easy transportation – they stack nicely and don’t break. Unfortunately, though, they can get smelly over time; to prevent that from happening it’s recommended that some bleach is added when first using them.
Tools
Contractors employ various tools when it comes to bricklaying. These include bolsters, trowels, and devices designed to shape and position bricks into positions.
Have the proper tools in your arsenal before beginning any brick project can ensure excellent results. These tools will make it much simpler and less stressful.
Professional bricklayers rely heavily on tape measures as essential tools. With its precise measurements and accurate calculations, this handy bricklaying device helps them determine accurate course heights and quantities necessary for their projects.
