Yes, engineering bricks can certainly be used for a wall, particularly for outer walls where their robust properties are highly beneficial. While they are an excellent choice for demanding structural applications, their use in general wall construction comes with specific considerations regarding cost and proper installation.
Understanding Engineering Bricks
Engineering bricks are a special type of brick manufactured to achieve superior strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attack and water absorption. Unlike common building bricks, they are fired at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense, vitrified material.
Key properties that define engineering bricks include:
- High Compressive Strength: They can withstand significant loads without crushing.
- Low Water Absorption: Their dense structure minimizes water ingress, making them highly resistant to frost and dampness.
- High Density: This contributes to their strength and durability.
- Good Chemical Resistance: They are less susceptible to damage from acids, sulfates, and other aggressive chemicals often found in the ground or industrial environments.
Applications of Engineering Bricks in Wall Construction
Due to their exceptional characteristics, engineering bricks are primarily chosen for parts of walls or structures that require enhanced performance and longevity.
Common applications in wall construction include:
- Damp Proof Courses (DPC): Their low water absorption makes them ideal for the course of bricks just above ground level, preventing rising damp.
- Foundation Walls: They are excellent for constructing the substructure of buildings due to their strength and resistance to ground conditions.
- Retaining Walls: Their high compressive strength and low water absorption are crucial for walls holding back earth, especially in wet conditions.
- Basement Walls: They contribute to waterproof and durable basement structures.
- Outer Walls in Demanding Environments: In areas exposed to harsh weather, chemical spills, or heavy wear and tear (e.g., industrial buildings, railway bridges), engineering bricks provide superior protection and longevity.
Considerations When Using Engineering Bricks for Walls
While highly effective, several factors should influence the decision to use engineering bricks for a wall.
Cost-Effectiveness
Engineering bricks are generally more expensive than standard facing bricks or common bricks. For this reason, they are not typically considered the most cost-effective option for entire wall structures where their specialized properties are not strictly necessary. Using them selectively where their performance is critical, such as for the first few courses of an outer wall, is often a more economical approach.
Installation and Durability
Proper installation is paramount, especially when using certain types of engineering bricks that may feature perforations (holes). If you are considering using red engineering bricks with holes, it is crucial to lay them in a way that prevents the holes from filling with water.
Why this is important:
- Frost Heave and Spalling: Water trapped within the holes can expand when it freezes. This expansion exerts pressure on the brick, leading to a phenomenon known as "frost heave" or "spalling," where the brick surface can crack, flake, or disintegrate over time.
- Structural Integrity: Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can compromise the long-term integrity of the wall.
Best practices for installation:
- Orient Bricks Correctly: Lay bricks so that any holes are oriented vertically (if allowed by structural design) or filled completely with mortar to prevent water accumulation.
- Proper Mortar Mix: Use an appropriate mortar mix that complements the low absorption rate of engineering bricks and ensures a strong bond.
- Thorough Mortar Filling: Ensure all joints and any perforations are completely filled with mortar to prevent water ingress.
- Protect During Construction: Shield newly laid masonry from heavy rain to prevent water penetration before the mortar has fully cured.
Aesthetic Considerations
Engineering bricks typically have a more utilitarian appearance compared to decorative facing bricks. They often come in limited colors (commonly blue or red) and a smooth, dense texture. If the aesthetic appeal of the wall is a primary concern, their industrial look might not be suitable for all architectural styles.
Benefits of Using Engineering Bricks
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Durability | Extremely long-lasting, resistant to wear and tear. |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent performance in harsh climates, highly resistant to frost. |
| Moisture Control | Low water absorption helps prevent dampness and contributes to a dry wall. |
| Structural Strength | Capable of supporting heavy loads, ideal for foundations and retaining walls. |
| Chemical Resistance | Withstands exposure to acids and other corrosive substances. |
Potential Drawbacks
| Feature | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Cost | More expensive than standard bricks, increasing overall project cost. |
| Aesthetics | Limited range of colors and textures; often has an industrial appearance. |
| Installation | Requires careful attention to detail, especially with perforated types. |
| Thermal Mass | High density can mean a higher thermal mass, affecting insulation. |
When to Choose Engineering Bricks for Your Wall
Consider using engineering bricks for your wall when:
- Dampness is a concern: For the first few courses above ground level (DPC) or in basement walls where moisture resistance is critical.
- High loads are anticipated: For foundation walls, retaining walls, or structural columns that need to bear significant weight.
- Harsh environmental conditions exist: In areas exposed to severe frost, ground chemicals, or industrial pollution.
- Long-term durability is paramount: When the structural integrity and longevity of the wall are the top priorities, outweighing aesthetic or cost considerations for the specific application.
For general, above-ground walling where aesthetics and cost-effectiveness are key, other types of bricks or construction materials might be more appropriate. However, for specialized sections requiring exceptional performance, engineering bricks are an excellent and reliable choice.
