A king brick is a type of brick that is larger than a standard brick, offering potential cost and time savings in construction. It's specifically known for its nominal face dimension of 10" x 3" when a standard 3/8" mortar joint is used.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Dimensions: King bricks typically measure 9 5/8" in length, 2 5/8" in height, and 2 3/4" in width (depth). This results in the aforementioned nominal size of 10" x 3" with the standard mortar joint.
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Standards: They usually conform to ASTM C652 standards, ensuring specific quality and performance criteria are met.
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Benefits:
- Lower Labor Costs: Due to their larger size, fewer bricks are needed to cover a given area, potentially reducing labor costs.
- Lower Mortar Costs: Fewer bricks also mean less mortar is required.
- Faster Construction Time: The increased size allows for faster wall construction.
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Availability: King bricks are manufactured by various brick companies, including Acme Brick at many of their plants.
In summary, a king brick is a larger-than-standard brick conforming to ASTM C652, designed to improve efficiency in bricklaying projects by reducing labor, mortar, and construction time.