The key difference between facing and engineering bricks lies in their intended use and, consequently, their physical properties. Facing bricks are primarily for aesthetics and the visible outer layer of a building, while engineering bricks prioritize strength and are used for structural and ground-level work.
Understanding Facing Bricks
Facing bricks are chosen for their appearance and how they contribute to the overall look of a building. Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: Primarily used for the outer, visible layer of a building.
- Aesthetics: Come in various colors, textures, and finishes to achieve desired architectural styles.
- Strength: While they provide structural support, their strength is secondary to their aesthetic properties.
- Location: Typically used in the visible portions of walls above the groundworks.
- Examples: Red clay bricks, yellow stock bricks, and glazed bricks.
Understanding Engineering Bricks
Engineering bricks are built for strength, durability, and resistance to the elements. Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: Primarily used for structural support, groundworks, and areas that require high strength and resistance to moisture.
- Aesthetics: Their appearance is less important than their structural performance.
- Strength: They are manufactured to very high standards of strength and durability.
- Location: Commonly used in foundations, retaining walls, and other structural layers below ground.
- Examples: Class A and Class B engineering bricks are often used in foundational layers due to their robust performance. According to the reference, "the groundworks benefit from the strong performance offered by Class B or Class A bricks."
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Facing Bricks | Engineering Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Outer, visible layer | Structural support, groundworks |
| Strength | Moderate | High |
| Aesthetics | High priority | Low priority |
| Location | Visible parts of walls above ground | Foundations, below-ground structural layers |
| Reference | Used for higher visible layers | Used for foundational layers |
Key Takeaways
- The choice between facing and engineering bricks should be based on the structural requirements and aesthetic goals of a project.
- While facing bricks are essential for a building's appearance, engineering bricks provide crucial structural integrity.
- Engineering bricks, particularly Class A and B, are the preference for areas requiring superior compressive strength and low water absorption.
