The Brick Calculator

Uncovering the Wonders of Bricks: From Clay to Skyscrapers

Where would we be without bricks? We are literally surrounded by bricks yet it's something that most people never really consider but bricks really do shape our world. The history of their origins and how they influenced the way civilizations developed and how we live today is quite remarkable. In this section we explore the wonderful world of bricks, looking at the types of bricks through the ages, how they were made and the types of structures that were designed and built using the latest brick technology of the times.

A Brief History of Bricks

The humble brick, a familiar and unassuming object, has played an integral role in the development of human civilization. The earliest bricks, dating back to around 7000 BC, were sun-dried mud bricks used in the construction of buildings in Mesopotamia. The advent of fired bricks, which were more durable, revolutionized the field of architecture and paved the way for more complex structures.

The Manufacturing Process of Bricks

Brick manufacturing has evolved significantly over the centuries, but the basic process remains remarkably unchanged. The journey of a brick starts with the extraction of raw materials, primarily clay, from the earth. This clay is then molded into the desired shape and subsequently fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden and strengthen the brick.

Types of Bricks

Bricks come in a variety of types (see a full list of brick types at the bottom of this article), each suited to a specific use. The most common type is the clay brick, made by firing clay in a kiln. Concrete bricks, made from cement and aggregate, are another common type. Other types include sand-lime bricks, engineering bricks, and fly ash clay bricks. The choice of brick type depends on factors like the nature of the construction project, the local climate, and the desired aesthetic.

Bricks and Architecture

Bricks have shaped the face of architecture for thousands of years, from the grand structures of the ancient world to the soaring skyscrapers of today. The versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal of bricks have made them a popular choice for architects and builders throughout history. Brick architecture can be seen in various forms, from humble homes to grand public buildings and monuments, a testament to the enduring appeal of this versatile material.

The Sustainability Aspect of Bricks

With a growing emphasis on sustainability, bricks are increasingly recognized for their eco-friendly credentials. They are made from natural materials, are long-lasting, and can be recycled, reducing their environmental impact. As a result, bricks remain a popular choice for environmentally conscious construction projects.

Different Types of Brick

  1. Accrington Brick
  2. Acid Brick
  3. Adobe Brick
  4. Agra Brick
  5. Air Brick
  6. Anchor Brick
  7. Angle Brick
  8. Antique Brick
  9. Ashlar Brick
  10. Backing Brick
  11. Beveled Brick
  12. Blue Lias Brick
  13. Brick Tile
  14. Brick Veneer
  15. Bullnose Brick
  16. Bungalow Brick
  17. Burnt Clay Brick
  18. Calcium Brick
  19. Calcium Silicate Brick
  20. Cappadocian Brick
  21. Castable Brick
  22. Celcon Block
  23. Ceramic Brick
  24. Channel Brick
  25. Charnel Brick
  26. Checker Brick
  27. Chimney Brick
  28. Clamp Fired Brick
  29. Clinker Brick
  30. Cloverleaf Brick
  31. Cob Brick
  32. Colonial Brick
  33. Common Brick
  34. Concrete Brick
  35. Concrete Stone Brick
  36. Coping Brick
  37. Cored Brick
  38. Cownose Brick
  39. Cream City Brick
  40. Dense Concrete Block
  41. Diaper Brickwork
  42. Dog Leg Brick
  43. Dressed Brick
  44. Dry Pressed Brick
  45. Dutch Brick
  46. Engineering Brick
  47. English Bond Brick
  48. Extruded Brick
  49. Facing Brick
  50. Firebrick
  51. Flint Lime Brick
  52. Fly Ash Clay Brick
  53. Frogged Brick
  54. Gauged Brick
  55. Gauged Rubber Brick
  56. Glazed Brick
  57. Gypsum Brick
  58. Hand Made Brick
  59. Header Brick
  60. Hollow Brick
  61. Hollow Clay Brick
  62. Jack Arch Brick
  63. Lahori Brick
  64. Lightweight Concrete Block
  65. Lintel Brick
  66. London Brick
  67. Machine Molded Brick
  68. Medium Dense Concrete Block
  69. Molded Brick
  70. Moscow Brick
  71. Mud Brick
  72. Naryshkin Baroque Brick
  73. Pantile Brick
  74. Parisian Brick
  75. Paving Brick
  76. Peking Brick
  77. Perforated Brick
  78. Pressed Brick
  79. Pulhamite Brick
  80. Quarry Brick
  81. Quoin Brick
  82. Refractory Brick
  83. Rock Faced Brick
  84. Roman Brick
  85. Rubbed Brick
  86. Rustic Brick
  87. Rusticated Brick
  88. Salt Glazed Brick
  89. Salvaged Brick
  90. Sand Lime Brick
  91. Seljuq Brick
  92. Serpentine Brick
  93. Sewer Brick
  94. Shale Brick
  95. Slip Brick
  96. Slop Moulded Brick
  97. Soap Brick
  98. Soft Mud Brick
  99. Stabilized Brick
  100. Staffordshire Blue Brick
  101. Stock Brick
  102. Stretcher Brick
  103. Sun Dried Brick
  104. Suzhou Brick
  105. Terra Cotta Brick
  106. Thin Brick
  107. Traditional Brick
  108. Tuckpoint Brick
  109. Tumbled Brick
  110. Water Struck Brick
  111. Wire Cut Brick
  112. Yellow Brick