Velammal Engineering College

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University – Chennai)

Velammal Newgen Park Ambattur – RedHills Road , Chennai-600 066

CONTINUOUS INTERNAL EVALUATION – I QUESTION BANK

Subject Code 21 CE 102 T Sem EVEN
Subject Title Construction Materials AY 2022 – 23 Batch 2022 – 26
Department CIVIL ENGINEERING Year / Sem 1st Year / 2nd Semester
PART-A ( MCQ )
UNIT I STONES – BRICKS 6
ALL ANSWERS at the End
Q 1 The most common raw material for the common bricks is
A Fly Ash B Clay C Sand D Stones

Q 2 The brick NOT requiring Burning / Firing / Heating is

A Clay Bricks B Fly Ash Bricks C AAC Blocks D Fire Bricks

Q 3 The maximum water absorption allowed for I Class Bricks as per IS Code is
A 10% B 12% C 15% D 20%

4 The small depression in one of the longitudinal faces of the clay brick to display the brand name and to
serve as a mechanical key / lock with mortar with the next brick is called as
A Crab B Frog C Toad D Bee

Q 5 The smallest and the simplest type among the Brick Kilns is
A Hoffman’s Kiln B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Clamp D Tunnel Kiln

Q 6 The Brick Kiln type which CANNOT manufacture bricks during rains is
A Hoffman’s Kiln B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Rotary Kiln D Tunnel Kiln
Full Marks only if the Reason is stated

7 As per Indian Standards for Bricks, minimum acceptable compressive strength of any class of burnt clay
bricks in dry state is (GATE 2016)
A 10 MPa B 7.5 MPa C 5 MPa D 3.5 MPa
FULL Marks only if you explain with the corresponding IS Code extract / reference

8 Bull’s Trench Kiln is used in the manufacturing of (GATE 2016)

A Asphalt B Bricks C Cement D Lime

9 The test on clay bricks to determine the presence of salts and other unwanted deleterious materials is
called as
A Efflorescence Test B Tolerance Test
C Soundness Test D Hardness Test

10 The cross sectional shape of Standard Bricks is

A Triangular B Square C Rectangular D Circular

11 Equipment used to TEMPER The clay before Moulding the bricks is

A PugMill B Ball Mill C Kiln D Autoclave

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12 Bricks of blackish or dark red colour are classified as
A First Class Well Burnt Bricks B Second Class Under- Burnt Bricks
C Third Class UnBurnt Bricks D Fourth Class Over – Burnt Bricks

13 Standard Size of Masonry Bricks is TNPSC 2008

A 180 mm * 80 mm * 80 mm B 190 mm * 90 mm * 90 mm
C 200 mm * 100 mm * 100 mm D 200 mm * 100 mm * 90 mm

14 Choose the CORRECT OPTION regarding the following 3 statements

1. Bricks lose their strenghth by 25% when soaked in water
2. Minimum Crushing Strength of Bricks in buildings is to be 35 kg/cm2
3. Modular Bricks Size is 20 cm*10 cm*10 cm including MORTAR Thickness
Out of the above3 statements, which are all correct? TNPSC 2010
A All the 3 statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct C Statements 1 and 3 only are correct
B Statements 1 and 2 only are correct D Statements 2 and 3 only are correct

15 The Compressive Strength of First Class Bricks should not be less than TNPSC 2010
A 7 N/mm2 B 10.5 N/mm2 C 12 N/mm2 D 15 N/mm2

16 Refractory Bricks resist TNPSC 2013

A Chemical Action B Shocks and Vibrations ( C ) High Temperature ( D ) Dampness

17 The function of Alumina present in brick earth is to ( TNPSC 2012)

A Impart Plasticity ( B ) Prevent Cracking ( C ) Decrease Shrinkage ( D ) Increase Strength

18 The excess alumina in the clay makes the brick ( TNPSC 2012)
A to crack and warp upon drying ** ( B ) brittle and weak *** ( C ) to melt and distort during burning
D to absorb moisture from air which on drying leaves powder deposit on the brick

19 Bricks containing large proportion of soluble slats liable to become patches of white deposit are
said to be suffering from brick (TNPSC 2012)
A Bloating B Efflorescence C Lamination D Absorption

20 The kiln producing bricks in the shortest time (fastest production system) is
A Clamp B Bull’s Trench Kiln C Hoffman Kiln D Tunnel Kiln

21 The range of alumina present in good brick earth by weight is TNPSC

A 33 – 35% B 20 – 30% C 10 – 15% D 15 – 20%

22 Choose the correct order / sequence of operations w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing

Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4
A Clay Preparation Moulding Drying Burning
B Moulding Clay Preparation Burning Drying
C Drying Moulding Clay Preparation Burning
D Burning Drying Moulding Clay Preparation

23 Choose the correct order / sequence of operations for CLAY PREPARATION w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing
Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4 Operation 5
A Blending Tempering Weathering Unsoiling Digging
B Tempering Blending Unsoiling Digging Weathering
C Tempering Unsoiling Digging Weathering Blending
D Unsoiling Digging Weathering Blending Tempering
E Digging Weathering Blending Tempering Unsoiling

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24 The plan layouts of the four different kilns are
# CLAMP Bull’s Trench Kiln Hoffman Kiln Tunnel Kiln
A OBLONG Linear ( Straight ) Circular Any Shape
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
B Linear ( Straight ) Circular Any Shape OBLONG
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
C Linear ( Straight ) Any Shape OBLONG Circular
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)
D Any Shape OBLONG Circular Linear ( Straight )
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)

25 In Tunnel Kiln for bricks manufacturing, the system is

A Moving Fire B Moving Ware
C Either Moving Fire or Moving Ware = any one as per requirement D None of these

26 STANDARD size of bricks WITH MORTAR JOINT is (as per Indian practice)
A 190 * 90 * 90 mm B 200 * 90 * 90 mm C 200 * 100 * 100 mm D No Standard size

27 Choose the correct matching

A SCOVE--Clamp without Roof / Shelter **** SCOTCH ---Clamp with Roof / Shelter
B SCOVE--Clamp with Roof / Shelter **** SCOTCH ---Clamp without Roof / Shelter
C SCOVE & SCOTCH --- both the Clamps do not have Roof / Shleter
D SCOVE & SCOTCH --- both the Clamps have Roof / Shleter

28 The frog impression on a brick face is a

A Printing B Projection C Depression D Can be of any type

Unit 1 STONES
Q 29 Granite belongs to which type of Rock classification
A Igneous B Sedimentary C Metamorphic D Granite is NOT a natural rock

Q 30 The Igneous Rocks formed at very great depths inside the earth are called as
A Sedimentary Rock B Plutonic Rock C Metamorphic Rock D Hypabassal Rock

Choose the ODD One Out

A Plutonic Rock B Clastic Rock C Hypabassal Rock D Volcanic Rock

Q 31 STRATIFIED Rocks is what kind of Classification?

A Geological B Physical / Structural C Chemical D None of the above
Classification Classification Classification

Q 32 What is the best rock suitable as raw material for making cement?
A Limestone B Sandstone C Granite D Shale

Q 33 Usually the strongest stone fit for making tall statues and foundation pedestal for
large
A Mountings is
Limestone B Shale C Granite D Slate

Q 34 The main property required to make Stones fit enough for Road Pavements is
A Compressive Strength B Crushing C Abrasion D Water Absorption
Strength Resistance
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Q 35 What is the very basic fundamental form of any rock / stone?
A Molecule B Mineral C Element D Electrons

Q 36 Choose the Correct Statement(s) from among the following.

P The similarity between MAGMA and LAVA is that both are the MOLTEN forms of rocks
Q Similarity of MAGMA and LAVA is both remaining UNDERGROUND after a
R The difference
volcanic between MAGMA and LAVA is that Magma is the molten rock remaining
eruption
UNDERGROUND while Lava erupts outside the earth’s ground surface after volcanic eruption
S The difference between MAGMA and LAVA is that LAVA is the molten rock remaining
UNDERGROUND while MAGMA erupts outside the earth’s ground surface after volcanic eruption
T There is NO difference between Magma and Lava. The two names are used synonymously and
interchangeably in different countries.
OUT OF THE ABOVE 5 Statements
A ALL the 5 statements are CORRECT
B ALL the 5 statements are WRONG
C Statements P and S only are the Correct Statements
D Statements P and R only are the Correct Statements

Q 37 Limestone belongs to which type of rock

A Igneous Rock B Sedimentary Rock C Metamorphic Rock D Artificial Rock

Q 38 The similarity between Limestone and Sandstone is

A Both are Igneous Rock C Metamorphic Rock
C Both are Sedimentary Rock D Both are Artificial Rock

CONCRETE
Q 39 The maximum weight and volume in a concrete mix is occupied by
A Cement B Water C Fine Aggregates D Coarse Aggregates

Q 40 Fine Aggregates in Concrete gives what property to the Concrete?

A Weight and Strength B Shrinkage Resistance C Abrasion D Impact Resistance
& Impermeability Resistance

41 Choose the correct option

For any RMC Concrete ( when the RMC Plant is outside the Project Site at a significant distance )
A Slump provided at Plant IS EQUAL TO the Slump required at the Site
B Slump provided at Plant IS GREATER THAN THE Slump required at the Site
C Slump provided at Plant IS LESSER THAN THE Slump required at the Site
D Slump provided at Plant can be anyway ( + or < or > ) w.r.t. the Slump required at the Site

Q 42 What is the maximum size of Fine Aggregates used in Concrete?

A 4.00 mm B 4.25 mm C 4.50 mm D 4.75 mm

Q 43 Maximum size of Concrete COARSE AGGREGATES used in ordinary Building RCC

elements is
A 10 mm B 12 mm C 16 mm D 20 mm

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Q 44 The simplest Test done both at Lab and Site to determine the WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE is
A Flow Table Test ** ( B ) Slump Test***( C ) Compaction Factor Test ** ( D ) Vee Bee Consistometer Test

Q 45 Water Cement Ratio in a concrete mix design is the ratio between

A The Volumes of Water and Cement B The WEIGHTS of Water and Cement
C Specific Gravities of Water and Cement D Water Volume to Cement Weight

Q 46 Choose the correct Matching

Concrete Compaction Type Mechanism / Mode of Compaction
P Needle Vibrator 1 External Compaction
Q Screed Vibrator 2 Atmospheric Compaction
R Formwork Vibrator 3 Surface Compaction
S Plate Vibrator 4 Internal Compaction
T Vacuum Dewatering 5 Extrusion Compaction
The Correct Matchings are
A P 1 Q 2 R 3 S 4 T 5
B P 2 Q 1 R 2 S 5 T 4
C P 4 Q 3 R 1 S 3 T 2
D P 5 Q 4 R 3 S 2 T 1

Q 47 Alternative method to Place / Transport Concrete instead of PUMPING to higher

Storeys is
A Concrete Bucket operated by Crane B Chute for Free Flowing of Concrete
C Conveyor Belt to carry Concrete upwards D There is no alternative for pumping

Q 48 Choose the ODD ONE OUT

A Slump Test ( B ) Cube Compression Test ( C ) Flow Table Test ( D ) Compaction Factor Test

Q 49 What is the process giving Light Weight to AAC Blocks?

A Aeration ** ( B ) Autoclaving *** ( C ) Light Weight Raw Materials added ( D ) All the above 3 processes

Q 50 What is the process giving STRENGTH to AAC Blocks?

A Aeration ( B ) Autoclaving ( C ) Light Weight Raw Materials added * ( D ) All the above 3 processes

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ANSWERS for MCQ

Q 1 The most common raw material for the common bricks is

B Clay

Q 2 The brick NOT requiring Burning / Firing / Heating is

B Fly Ash Bricks

Q 3 The maximum water absorption allowed for I Class Bricks as per IS Code is
B 12%

4 The small depression in one of the longitudinal faces of the clay brick to display the brand name and to
serve as a mechanical key / lock with mortar with the next brick is called as
B Frog

Q 5 The smallest and the simplest type among the Brick Kilns is
C Clamp

Q 6 The Brick Kiln type which CANNOT manufacture bricks during rains is
B Bull’s Trench Kiln

7 As per Indian Standards for Bricks, minimum acceptable compressive strength of any class of burnt clay
bricks in dry state is (GATE 2016)
D 3.5 MPa

8 Bull’s Trench Kiln is used in the manufacturing of (GATE 2016)

B Bricks

9 test on clay bricks to find the presence of salts and other unwanted deleterious materials is called as
A Efflorescence Test

10 The cross sectional shape of Standard Bricks is

B Square

11 Equipment used to TEMPER The clay before Moulding the bricks is

A PugMill

12 Bricks of blackish or dark red colour are classified as

D Fourth Class Over – Burnt Bricks

13 Standard Size of Masonry Bricks is TNPSC 2008

B 190 mm * 90 mm * 90 mm

14 Choose the CORRECT OPTION regarding the following 3 statements

1 Bricks lose their strenghth by 25% when soaked in water
2 Minimum Crushing Strength of Bricks in buildings is to be 35 kg/cm2
3 Modular Bricks Size is 20 cm*10 cm*10 cm including MORTAR Thickness
Out of the above3 statements, which are all correct? TNPSC 2010
D Statements 2 and 3 only are correct

15 The Compressive Strength of First Class Bricks should not be less than TNPSC 2010
B 10.5 N/mm2
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 16 Refractory Bricks resist TNPSC 2013 ( C ) High Temperature

17 The function of Alumina present in brick earth is to ( TNPSC 2012)

A Impart Plasticity

18 The excess alumina in the clay makes the brick ( TNPSC 2012)
A to crack and warp upon drying

19 Bricks containing large proportion of soluble slats liable to become patches of white deposit are
said to be suffering from brick (TNPSC 2012)
B Efflorescence

20 The kiln producing bricks in the shortest time (fastest production system) is
D Tunnel Kiln

21 The range of alumina present in good brick earth by weight is TNPSC

B 20 – 30%

22 Choose the correct order / sequence of operations w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing

Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4
A Clay Preparation Moulding Drying Burning

23 Choose the correct order / sequence of operations for CLAY PREPARATION w.r.t. Brick Manufacturing
Operation 1 Operation 2 Operation 3 Operation 4 Operation 5
D Unsoiling Digging Weathering Blending Tempering

24 The plan layouts of the four different kilns are

# CLAMP Bull’s Trench Kiln Hoffman Kiln Tunnel Kiln
D Any Shape OBLONG Circular Linear ( Straight )
(Rectangle with Oval Ends)

25 In Tunnel Kiln for bricks manufacturing, the system is

B Moving Ware

26 STANDARD size of bricks WITH MORTAR JOINT is (as per Indian practice)
C 200 * 100 * 100 mm

27 Choose the correct matching

A SCOVE--Clamp without Roof / Shelter **** SCOTCH ---Clamp with Roof / Shelter

28 The frog impression on a brick face is a

C Depression

Unit 1 STONES
Q 29 Granite belongs to which type of Rock classification
A Igneous

Q 30 The Igneous Rocks formed at very great depths inside the earth are called as
B Plutonic Rock

7
Choose the ODD One Out
B Clastic Rock

Q 31 STRATIFIED Rocks is what kind of Classification?

B Physical / Structural
Classification

Q 32 What is the best rock suitable as raw material for making cement?
A Limestone

Q 33 Usually the strongest stone fit for making tall statues and foundation pedestal for
large Mountings is C Granite

Q 34 The main property required to make Stones fit enough for Road Pavements is
C Abrasion Resistance

Q 35 What is the very basic fundamental form of any rock / stone?

B Mineral

Q 36 Choose the Correct Statement(s) from among the following.

P Similarity between MAGMA and LAVA is that both are the MOLTEN forms of rocks
Q Similarity of MAGMA and LAVA is both remaining UNDERGROUND after a volcanic eruption
R Difference :::Magma remains UNDERGROUND *** Lava flows outside earth’s surface
S The difference between MAGMA and LAVA is that LAVA is the molten rock remaining UNDERGROUND while
MAGMA erupts outside the earth’s ground surface after volcanic eruption
T There is NO difference between Magma and Lava. The two names are used synonymously and
interchangeably in different countries.
OUT OF THE ABOVE 5 Statements
D Statements P and R only are the Correct Statements

Q 37 Limestone belongs to which type of rock

B Sedimentary Rock

Q 38 The similarity between Limestone and Sandstone is

C Both are Sedimentary Rock

CONCRETE
Q 39 The maximum weight and volume in a concrete mix is occupied by
D Coarse Aggregates

Q 40 Fine Aggregates in Concrete gives what property to the Concrete?

B Shrinkage Resistance & Impermeability

41 Choose the correct option

For any RMC Concrete ( when the RMC Plant is outside the Project Site at a significant distance )
B Slump provided at Plant IS GREATER THAN THE Slump required at the Site

8
Q 42 What is the maximum size of Fine Aggregates used in Concrete?
D 4.75 mm

Q 43 Maximum size of Concrete COARSE AGGREGATES used in ordinary Building RCC

elements is
D 20 mm

Q 44 The simplest Test done both at Lab and Site to determine the WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE is
( B ) Slump Test

Q 45 Water Cement Ratio in a concrete mix design is the ratio between

B The WEIGHTS of Water and Cement

Q 46 Choose the correct Matching

Concrete Compaction Type Mechanism / Mode of Compaction
P Needle Vibrator 1 External Compaction
Q Screed Vibrator 2 Atmospheric Compaction
R Formwork Vibrator 3 Surface Compaction
S Plate Vibrator 4 Internal Compaction
T Vacuum Dewatering 5 Extrusion Compaction

The correct matchings are

P Needle Vibrator 4 Internal Compaction
Q Screed Vibrator 3 Surface Compaction
R Formwork Vibrator 1 External Compaction
S Plate Vibrator 3 Surface Compaction
T Vacuum Dewatering 2 Atmospheric Compaction
The Correct Matchings are
C P 4 Q 3 R 1 S 3 T 2

Q 47 Alternative method to Place / Transport Concrete instead of PUMPING to higher

Storeys is
A Concrete Bucket operated by Crane

Q 48 Choose the ODD ONE OUT

( B ) Cube Compression Test

Q 49 What is the process giving Light Weight to AAC Blocks?

A Aeration

Q 50 What is the process giving STRENGTH to AAC Blocks?

( B ) Autoclaving
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 UNIT 1 **** BRICKS S K Duggal PAGE No.
Q 1 List any ten types of bricks under various categories 11 – 14

Q 2 What are the chemical ingredients required in a good clay for making bricks? 14 – 15

10
Q 3 Mention the various characteristics of good quality bricks. 14 para
2.6

Q 4 Mention the various classifications of Kilns based on their operation mode and 22 - 24
mechanism ( use ANY ONE OF THE 3 IMAGES below as per your choice )

11
12
Q 5 List the methods of Moulding of Bricks and their relative merits and demerits. 19 - 21
Types of Moulding for Bricks 1 Hand Moulding 2 Ground Moulding 3 Table Moulding 4 Machine Moulding --- Plastic Method
5 Machine Moulding --- Dry Press Method
# Moulding Type Basic Mechanism Advantages DisAdvantages
1 Hand Moulding Just by Manual Hand Power  Very Simple  Only one at a time
 NO Machines  Very Poor Compaction of Clay
 Very Cheap  So, very low Strength of bricks
 More Water needed to Mix and Mould,
which leads to longer burning time
2 Ground Moulding Same as Hand Moulding - DO - - DO -
3 Table Moulding Same as Hand or Ground Moulding but Slightly Lesser Water used as Requires a shed for accommodating the table
carried out on a table compared to Hand / Ground and other systems
Moulding; Hence bricks dry
faster and burn quicker in kiln
Area required for laying the
bricks is smaller area
4 Machine Moulding --- Plastic Method: In this method, pugged  High Compressive  Costlier
Plastic Method earth is used, which is placed in the Strength  Power required to operate the
machine that contains a rectangular shape  Minimum Moisture machine for large scale
of size equal to the length and width of the Content manufacturing
brick. A beam of the moulded earth comes  Faster Drying  Clay and other raw materials should
out of it and is cut into strips by wires fixed  Faster Burning be of best quality
in the frames. These bricks  Perfect Shape & Size
are also called WIRE-CUT BRICKS.
5 Machine Moulding --- the machine first converts the hard earth  Drying NOT Required  Costly Equipment required
Dry Press Method into a powder form and a small quantity of  Moisture content very  Fully Covered Plant required
water is added to the powder to make it a minimal  Consumes lot of electric power
stiff plastic paste. This paste is placed in  Fastest Burning
the mould and pressed by the machine to  Best Quality Bricks
form hard and correct-shaped bricks. These
bricks are known as pressed bricks, which
do not require any drying and can be sent
directly to the burning section.

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Q 6 What do you mean by First Class Bricks? Page 11

1. First-class bricks are table moulded and they are burnt in Kilns.
2. These are well-burnt in kilns.

3. The surface of the first-class brick should be smooth and rectangular.

4. The edges of the brick are perpendicular(Make an angle 90°) to the adjoining edges.

5. They are regular in shape and size with sharp edges and corners.
6. They shall be of uniform deep red color.

7. They should be free from any cracks.

8. They should be free from chips, efflorescence, flaws, and lumps of any kind.

9. Dry first-class bricks should not absorb water more than 12% of their own weight when immersed in
water for 24 hours.
10. They emit a clear ringing sound when two bricks are struck each other.

Q 7 Mention the 4 tests on bricks as prescribed by IS Code. 27 – 28

As per IS Code 3495 Parts 1 to 4 ( year 1992 ) ( latest edition 2019 )

Brick Tests:

1. Compressive Strength Test:

This test is performed to determine the compressive strength of bricks. It is additionally known as the
crushing strength test of bricks.

Normally, 5 samples of bricks are selected and transported to the laboratory for testing.

A brick sample is kept on the crushing machine and then the pressure is thoroughly applied axially until it
breaks.

The maximum pressure at which the brick starts to crack is noted.

The test is repeated with all 5 brick samples one by one and the average result is considered as the
compressive strength or crushing strength of bricks.

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2. Water Absorption Test:

In this test, bricks are weighed first in dry condition (W1) and then they are fully submerged in water for 24
hours.

After immersion of 24 hours, the bricks are collected and weighed again in wet condition (W2).

The difference of weight between dry and wet conditions is considered as the water absorbed by the bricks.

Then the amount of water absorption is determined in percentage.

Water absorption (%) = [(W2-W1)/W1] * 100

The less water consumption by the bricks indicates their greater quality.

A brick will be considered as good quality if it does not consume more than 20% water of its own weight.

3. Efflorescence Test:

This test is carried out to obtain the presence of alkaline substances in bricks. First, bricks are fully
submerged in freshwater for 24 hours. After 24 hours they are collected from water and left to dry.

After completely dried the bricks are closely observed to find the presence of alkali. If a white or gray layer
is formed on the brick surface, it means alkali is present in the brick.

Observation Efflorescence

No Deposition Nil

10% of the brick surface. Slight (Ok)

10% – 25 % of the brick surface. Moderate

25% – 50% of the brick surface. Heavy

>50% of the brick surface. Extreme (Serious)

Efflorescence Test on Bricks

15
 Q 8 List the raw materials required to manufacture Fly Ash Bricks. *****

Fly ash bricks are lighter and stronger than clay bricks.
Main ingredients include
a) Fly Ash,
b) LIME ( Quicklime or Lime Sludge )
c) Gypsum
d) Aluminum Powder ( OPTIONAL raw material for reducing self weight )
e) Water

Q 9 How to check whether a brick is of good quality by simple field tests without Page 14 PARA 2.6
any equipment?

FIELD TESTS for Bricks

 Water absorption test of brick.

 Compressive strength test of brick/ crushing strength test on bricks.
 Hardness test of brick.
 Shape and size test of bricks.
 Colour test of bricks.
 Soundness test of brick.
 Structure of brick test.
 Efflorescence test of brick.
 The shape of the brick should be rectangular.
 A good brick should not break if dropped from a one-meter height.
 Brick should not possess internal cracking and shrinkage.
 The brick should be fire and scratch-resistant.
 Water absorption of brick should not exceed 20 per cent of its dry weight.
 The compressive strength of the brick should not be less than 3.5N/mm2.

MORE DETAILED ANSWER

FIELD TESTS ON BRICKS
It is necessary to check the quality of brick before using it in any construction activities.There are some field
tests that we can conduct in the field in order to check the quality of bricks. These tests are as follows.

1. Water Absorption
2. Visual inspection
3. Efflorescence
4. Dimension
5. Hardness
6. Soundness
7. Structure

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 1. WATER ABSORPTION
5 bricks are taken and the bricks are weighed dry and the average dry weight of 5 bricks is calculated. Bricks are
then immersed in water for a period of 24 hours. After 24 hours of immersion, bricks are weighed again and
average of 5 bricks is calculated. Difference of final average weight and initial average weight indicates the
amount of water absorbed by the bricks. It should not case exceed 20percent of average weight of dry bricks.

2. VISUAL INSPECTION
In this test bricks are closely inspected for its shape. The bricks of good quality should be uniform in shape and
should have truly rectangular shape with sharp edges.

3. EFFLORESCENCE
This test should be conducted in a well ventilated room. The brick is placed vertically in a dish 30 cm x 20 cm
approximately in size with 2.5 cm immersed in distilled water. The whole water is allowed to be absorbed by the
brick and evaporated through it. After the bricks appear dry, a similar quantity of wter is placed in the dish, and
the water is allowed to evaporate as before. The brick is to be examined after the second evaporation and
reported as follows:

 Nil: When there is no perceptible deposit of salt

 Slight: When not more than 10% of the area of brick is covered with salt
 Moderate: When there is heavy deposit covering 50% of the area of the brick but unaccompanied by
powdering or flaking of the surface.
 Heavy: When there is heavy deposit covering more than 50% of the area of the brick accompanied by
powdering or flaking of the surface.
 Serious: When there is heavy deposit of salts accompanied by powdering and/or flaking of the surface and
this deposition tends to increase in the repeated wetting of the specimen.

Bricks for general construction should not have more than slight to moderate efflorescence.

4. DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCE
Twenty bricks are selected at random to check measurement of length, width and height. These dimensions are
to be measured in one or two lots of ten each as shown in figure. Variation in dimensions are allowed only within
narrow limits, ±3% for class one and ±8% for other classes.

Dimension Test On Bricks

5. HARDNESS In this test, a scratch is made on brick surface with the help of a finger nail. If
no impression is left on the surface, brick is treated as to be sufficiently hard.

6. SOUNDNESS Two bricks are taken, one in each hand, and they are struck with each other
lightly. A brick of good quality should not break and a clear ringing sound should be produced.

7. STRUCTURE A brick is broken and its structure is examined. It should be homogeneous,

compact and free from any defects such as holes, lumps etc.

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