Civilizations across history have always aspired to build structures that will stand the test of time. Inventors, engineers, and designers over time have experimented and discovered ways to make our structures durable and sustainable. The usage of concrete and traditional bricks has revolutionized the way of building, but the important question that needs to be answered is “Are traditional bricks still the way of future? Or has a better product come to replace them in the form of concrete bricks?
Traditionally, clay bricks have been a significant part of Nepal’s historical and cultural architecture. Bricks were used for the construction of palaces, temples, walls, roofs, pavements in narrow lanes and streets and squares. Their overall use gives visual continuity to Nepalese architecture. The types of clay used, the types of brick produced, the way they are fired and integrated into building with resulting improvements comes from the knowledge acquired over many generations. However, the bricks are still produced in kilns free from modern technological developments creating a highly polluting and economically non-viable industry, thus making the way for concrete bricks.
What are Concrete Bricks?
Concrete bricks are engineered bricks made of concrete, the perfect choice to build a range of both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls because of their great strength, durability, and consistent dimensional accuracy. They have a long-life cycle and energy efficiency and lead to very little environmental impact making them ideal for a cleaner and greener world.
Why choose Asian Concrete Bricks over Clay Bricks?
Concrete Bricks | Clay Bricks |
Concrete bricks are made with a combination of sand aggregate and cement. The primary aggregate is typically limestone. | These are a classic form of bricks, that is created by pressing wet clay in molds, then drying and firing in the kilns. |
One of the most desirable properties of concrete bricks is their strength. | Clay bricks are least bearing in resistance compared to concrete bricks. |
Concrete brick’s rate of absorption is between 40 and 80 grams of moisture per minute per sq in., this brick absorbs 2-3 times more moisture than clay bricks. | Clay brick’s rate of absorption is approximately 15-35 grams of moisture per minute per sq in. |
Concrete bricks are made from fully- automated technology being eco-friendly bricks and are manufactured from materials that can be readily recycled and utilized for landfills. | Clay bricks are traditionally from bricks kilns that are hazardous to the environment and a major contributor to air pollution. |
Going by the materials clay bricks and concrete bricks are made, the concrete bricks have much more compressive strength. | Clay bricks have less compressive strength than concrete bricks |
Concrete bricks are pre-cured in heating chambers, they are completely dry, and the dimension of these engineered bricks is always consistent, 230mm* 110mm * 70mm. | Clay bricks are not consistent in terms of dimensional accuracy as they come in different sizes. |
Specifications of Asian Concrete Bricks
Parameters | Dimensions |
Length (mm) | 230 |
Height (mm) | 55/70 |
Breadth (mm) | 110 |
Bricks /m³ | 534 / 434 |
Compressive Strength (N/mm²) | ≥ 10 |
SPECIAL FEATURES
– Manufactured in 100% Automated Plant with German technology
– Easy, year-round installation
– Cured in heat and humidity-controlled curing chamber
– Excellent skid resistance
– Minimum breakage and wastage
– Reduces plastering and labor cost
– Excellent sound and thermal insulation
– Pre-cured
– Lower density and weight
ADVANTAGES
– Cost-effective, less time-consuming
– High resistance to wear and mechanical damage
– Reusable and can be installed swiftly
– Enhanced colors and texture
– Dimensional Consistency
– Unmatched durability
Concrete bricks are superior in terms of load-bearing strength and compressive strength. If the dimensional accuracy is in question, then concrete bricks have a significant edge over traditional bricks. Likewise, if we consider the environmental cost and economies of scale, the production of clay bricks can prove to be costly in long run. But one might argue, that in the context of Nepalese heritage and architecture, clay bricks are irreplaceable nevertheless the recent rebuilding of temples after the earthquake has proved otherwise.
These are obvious reasons to choose concrete bricks over clay bricks, when compared concrete bricks stand out in terms of quality, cost endurance and sustainability.