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A wide array of tests is conducted on bricks to ascertain their quality for the purpose of construction. Brick testing is carried out in the laboratory as well as at the construction site. 

Bricks are arguably one of the oldest and most vital construction materials due to their strength, reliability, and durability.

The tests that are needed to determine the suitability of bricks for construction work are discussed below.

1. Absorption test

This test is conducted on bricks to know the total amount of moisture that is absorbed by the brick under extreme conditions. During this test, a dry brick is taken and weighed. Post weighing, the brick is placed in water for 24 hours. After this, the wet brick is weighed. The difference in the weight of the dry brick and the wet brick is calculated which gives the amount of water absorption. For a high-quality brick, the amount of water absorption must not exceed 20% of the dry brick weight.

2. Crushing or compressive strength test

The crushing strength is determined by placing a brick in a compression testing machine that applies pressure on the brick until it breaks. The pressure at which the brick shatters should exceed a minimum of 3.50 N/mm2. Any value lower than that indicates that the brick is not suitable for construction.

3. Hardness test

The ideal brick must be able to resist any scratches induced by sharp objects. So, for this specific test, a sharp tool or fingernail is used to create scratches on bricks. If there are no impressions of any scratches, then the brick is considered to be a hard brick.

4. Shape and size test

All bricks used for the purpose of construction must be of identical size. When it comes to shape, each brick should be rectangular with distinct, sharp edges. To carry out this test, 20 bricks are selected randomly and stacked along their dimensions for comparison. If all bricks are of the same size, then they are suitable for construction activity.

5. Soundness test

This is another way of testing bricks. This test demonstrates the nature of bricks during sudden impact. To perform this test, two bricks are chosen randomly and struck against each other. The bricks should not crack or break, and the sound that is produced must be a clear, bell-ringing sound. 

<<Learn how to select the right brick from experts>>

6. Structure of bricks

To successfully determine a brick’s structure, one brick is randomly picked from a group and is broken. Close attention is paid to the inner portion of the brick. The brick must be smooth and free from lumps.

The final word:

Bricks are the building blocks of any structure. There are specific tests that you can subject the bricks to, in order to determine if they are fit or unfit for house construction activities.