What is needed for brick production

Brick is usually understood as a building block made of clay. Although it does not have to be from this material. In Egypt, for example, mud bricks are still being produced, which are similarly dried in the sun and used for masonry.

And yet the traditional brick is made of clay. This is a unique terrestrial mineral. Dried in the sun, it becomes very durable, and burnt - it is not inferior in strength to stone. Brick manufacturing is an ancient profession. And they still make bricks. Moreover, the need for it, despite the introduction of the latest building materials, is growing. What is needed for brick production? In addition to clay, water and special equipment of varying degrees of complexity and productivity are needed. Clay varies in its structure and, therefore, in quality. Firstly, its fat content is of great importance. This factor can be determined in the following way. Take about half a kilogram of clay from the site where you plan to take it for production. Add a little water and mix thoroughly to the consistency of a dough. Then roll a ball with a diameter of about 50 mm and a small cake and put them in the shade for 2–3 days to dry. If cracks appeared on the samples, then the clay is too oily and sand needs to be added. Normal clay, if the cracked ball, released from a height of 1 m, does not crumble. Collapsed in the fall - skinny clay. The quality of the brick and its optimal use depends on the presence of certain minerals in the clay. Clay with a high iron content produces an especially strong brick after firing. At home, a brick, as a rule, is not fired. But if it is properly dried, then it is not inferior in quality to the burnt one. So, to make bricks, besides clay and water, forms are needed. They are made of boards with a thickness of 20-25 mm and two sheets of plywood. Dimensions of a standard brick: 250x120x65 mm. 2, 3, 4-section box with a removable top cover knocks down with nails. In the lower and upper covers of the form, it is desirable to make conical protrusions so that voids remain in the bricks. This will facilitate better contact with the solution. After drying, a brick made in such a makeshift way is quite suitable for the construction of verandas, outbuildings, bathhouses and sheds.