An arch brick can refer to one of two types of bricks: either a wedge-shaped brick designed for constructing arches, or a brick that has been overburned in a kiln.
Types of Arch Brick
Here's a breakdown:
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Wedge-shaped Brick: As the name suggests, these bricks are specifically shaped like a wedge. They are used to build arches, ensuring structural integrity due to their shape. Reference 1 defines it as "a wedge-shaped brick used in the building of an arch". These may also be called compass brick.
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Overburned Brick: This type of arch brick refers to brick that has been overburned during the firing process in a kiln. This often happens when the brick is in direct contact with the fire within the arch of the kiln. These are also called clinker bricks, as noted in Reference 1: "brick that has been overburned through being placed in contact with the fire in the arch of a kiln : clinker sense 2a. also : one such brick."
Comparison Table
| Feature | Wedge-shaped Brick (for arches) | Overburned Brick (clinker) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wedge-shaped | Irregular/Variable |
| Purpose | Building arches | Result of overburning |
| Appearance | Uniform, designed shape | Potentially misshapen, dark |
| Reference | Reference 1 | Reference 1 |
