What is Bricks?
A brick is a type of construction material used to build walls, pavements, and other elements in masonry construction.
How To Make Bricks In South Africa
Step 1: Find the Right Raw Materials
Before you do anything else, you must find the right clay. Look for good quality clay that is clean with minimal contaminants. Certain parts of the country have much higher clay content than others, and you will usually have the best luck looking near river banks.
Step 2: Knead Clay
Once you have the clay, it isn’t quite ready yet. You’ll need to knead it thoroughly depending on how uniform it is and this is messy, hard work. One of the easiest ways is to place it in a large, flat, drain pan or kiddie pool and then step on it, like mashing grapes, with rubber boots on.
Step 3: Add Sand
Add sand to your clay mixture. The proper ratio for basic clay bricks is 1 part sand to every 4 parts of clay. Depending on how much clay you are working with in the beginning you might be able to precisely pre-measure this or you might not. Do the best you can.
Step 4: Mix
Add the sand, and mix, mix, mix, adding a little bit of water only when needed. Remember, you are aiming for a smooth and uniform but still moist and sticky consistency you can work with your hands.
Step 5: Prepare Mold
Let the clay rest for a bit. While this is happening, oil the drying board (use straw if you don’t have or want to use oil), place your molds on the drying board and prepare the interior of your molds by dusting them with either charcoal dust or a commercially prepared dry release agent.
Step 6: Fill the Mold with Clay
Now pack your prepped mold with the clay. Make sure to pack it in fully so that it fills all corners uniformly up to the top. Mash it good so the bottom will be flat and not cupped or deformed.
Step 7: Trim Excess from Filled Mold
Using your wire or knife, trim off the excess clay overflowing from the mold. Add this clay back to the pile for filling the other molds.
Step 8: Remove Mold
Let the clay form up in the molds for about half an hour. Then, carefully lift the molds straight up taking care not to deform the bricks as you remove them from the molds. If your mixture is just right, you should not notice tilting, bulging sides, or sagging corners. Remember for next time!
Step 9: Dry Bricks
The bricks must be allowed drying time to cure before they are fired, a process that takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days in full sun depending on the weather. Only leave them in a dry area: If rain is in the forecast you must move or protect your bricks at this time!
Step 10: Fire Bricks
The last step in the production process proper is firing the bricks. This is done in an outdoor kiln, with bricks placed inside. The kiln should be tended for about 8 hours, depending on the size of your bricks and the intensity of your fire.
Step 11: Clean Bricks
Let the bricks cool for at least an entire day after the fire is out. Then retrieve your bricks cautiously (they might still be hot!) and wash them off with water and a gentle brush when totally cool. This is an important step to prepare them for building with mortar.
Step 12: Ready for Building!
You’re done! Your bricks are now ready to use in whatever project you have in mind, from a simple retaining wall or planter to an outdoor oven.
What is the mix for making bricks?
The standard ratio of dry sand to cement is 5-level wheelbarrows of sand to 1 x 50kg bag of cement. Should you require extra-strength bricks, then use a 4:1 ratio.
What type of clay is used for bricks?
Kaolin. Kaolin is one of the main natural clay minerals that are used for the body of brick.
Kaolin is a geological term that refers to a white clay rock that can be found in deposits throughout the world.
Which bricks are stronger?
Cement bricks have a higher compressive strength than red bricks. This is primarily due to the method by which concrete bricks are manufactured and the materials used.
As a result, cement bricks are commonly used in high-rise buildings, which require greater concrete strength.