Ladrillos

TECHNICAL NOTES on Brick Construction 9A
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October 2007

Specifications for and Classification of Brick
Abstract: This Technical Note describes the predominant-consensus standard specifications for brick and the various
classifications used in each. Specific requirements — including physical properties,appearance features and coring — are described. Additional requirements for each brick specification also are covered.

Key Words: appearance, ASTM standards, brick, chippage, classification, CSA standard, dimensions, distortion, durability, exposure, grade, physical properties, specification, tolerances, type, use.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Identify the appropriate brick specification for theintended use • Specify each classification in the specification or verify that the default classification is valid • Specify each required action of the purchaser and specifier • Evaluate and specify any optional requirement • Use requirements in consensus-based specifications; deviate from them only with consideration of effect on performance and cost

INTRODUCTION
Brick selection is madeaccording to the specific application in which the brick will be used. Standards for brick cover specific uses of brick and classify the brick by performance characteristics. The performance criteria include strength, durability and aesthetic requirements. Selection of the proper specification and classification within that specification, along with proper design and construction, should result inexpected performance. ASTM International (ASTM) publishes the most widely accepted standards on brick. These standards are voluntary consensus standards that are reviewed and updated periodically to contain the most recent information. All have been through a thorough review process by a balanced committee of interested ASTM members classified as producers, users and general interest. All of themodel building codes in the United States reference ASTM standards for brick. Standards used in Canadian building codes are prepared by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The process used to prepare and revise CSA standards is similar to ASTM’s. The sole CSA standard for brick, A82 Fired Masonry Brick Made from Clay or Shale, is similar in content to the ASTM standards for face brick andhollow brick. It also includes test methods. This Technical Note identifies the standards for brick and the specific requirements for its various classifications. Other Technical Notes in this series address the fundamentals of brick manufacturing and the proper selection of brick.

© 2007 Brick Industry Association, Reston, Virginia

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BRICK SPECIFICATIONS
Depending on its use,brick is covered by one of several specifications. See Table 1. Because firebox brick, chemical resistant brick, sewer and manhole brick, and industrial floor brick are special uses, they will not be addressed in this Technical Note. TABLE 1 Specifications for Brick
Title of Specification Building Brick Facing Brick Hollow Brick Thin Veneer Brick Units Made from Clay or Shale Pedestrian and LightTraffic Paving Brick Heavy Vehicular Paving Brick Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay Facing Tile, Facing Brick, and Solid Masonry Units Glazed Brick, Single Fired Firebox Brick, Residential Fireplaces Chemical-Resistant Masonry Units Sewer and Manhole Brick Industrial Floor Brick ASTM Designation1 C 62 C 216 C 652 C 1088 C 902 C 1272 C 126 C 1405 C 1261 C 279 C 32 C 410 CSA Designation2 — A82 A82 — — —— — — — — —

1. ASTM International, 100 Bar Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. 2. Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5N6 Canada.

Beginning with the 2007a edition of ASTM C 216, an appendix has been added. The appendix is designed to explain the specification, noting subtleties and relationships that might not otherwise be clear....