Bricks are burnt primarily to make them hard and durable. This crucial step transforms the raw, molded clay into a strong building material capable of withstanding the elements and supporting structures.
The Purpose of Burning Bricks
According to the provided reference, after bricks are formed in molds and dried, they are stacked in a kiln and then burned. The specific reason given is to harden and thus becomes more durable.
This process, also known as firing, uses intense heat to chemically and physically alter the clay. The heat causes vitrification, a process where the silica in the clay melts and fuses together, binding the particles into a solid, stone-like mass.
Burning bricks offers several key benefits:
- Increased Hardness: The firing process significantly increases the compressive strength of the bricks, making them less likely to crumble or break under load.
- Enhanced Durability: Hardened bricks are much more resistant to weathering, moisture absorption, and erosion compared to unfired bricks. This ensures they last for decades, if not centuries, in construction.
- Structural Integrity: Durable bricks provide reliable stability and support for buildings and other structures.
The Brick Burning Process
The traditional method described involves:
- Forming: Bricks are shaped using molds from suitable "mud," often sourced locally.
- Drying: Molded bricks are laid out to dry naturally for a period.
- Stacking: Dried bricks are carefully stacked to create a kiln structure.
- Burning/Firing: The bricks are heated in the kiln, undergoing the transformation that results in hardening and increased durability.
This burning process is essential for creating bricks suitable for construction, providing the necessary strength and longevity required for building materials.
