Brick fill, in the context of building and construction, typically refers to a material used to fill joints or spaces within or associated with brickwork or blockwork. Based on the provided reference, a specific type of this material serves as a crucial component in managing movement and preventing damage in masonry structures.
Understanding Brick Fill as a Joint Filler
Specifically, when referencing the material described, brick fill is characterized as:
- A low resistance joint filler.
- Manufactured from high quality closed cell polyethylene.
- Specifically designed and developed for various types of masonry.
This material acts as a compressible filler placed within expansion or movement joints in walls constructed from bricks or blocks. Its low resistance nature allows the wall sections to expand or contract with temperature changes, moisture variations, and structural movements without causing excessive stress or cracking.
Key Characteristics of Brickwork Joint Filler
The material described possesses specific properties that make it suitable for masonry joint filling:
- Material: High quality closed cell polyethylene. This structure makes it lightweight, flexible, and non-absorbent.
- Resistance: Low resistance, allowing for controlled compression during movement.
- Application: Designed for joint filling, particularly in movement or expansion joints.
- Compatibility: Suitable for use with:
- Clay fired brickwork
- Calcium silicate brickwork
- Blockwork
Practical Applications
This type of brick fill is essential in preventing structural issues in masonry. Its primary uses include:
- Expansion Joints: Creating planned gaps within long walls to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.
- Movement Joints: Placed where different parts of a building connect or where changes in materials occur to allow for differential movement.
- Isolation Joints: Separating masonry from other structural elements like columns or slabs to prevent load transfer and allow independent movement.
By incorporating this low resistance filler, builders can ensure the long-term stability and appearance of brick and block structures, avoiding common problems like cracking and spalling caused by uncontrolled movement.
