Masonry Magazine January 1971 Page.102
BRICK SIZES AND RELATED INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
For many years brick sizes were relatively standard, with only three generally available: standard, Roman and Norman, the actual sizes of which varied only slightly from the norm. Except for the "SCR brick", which was introduced in 1952, all brick units had a 4-in. nominal bed depth or thickness dimension. The SCR brick, of course, had a 6-in. nominal bed depth. However, since most brick were a nominal 4 in. in thickness and 2% in. in height, the order in which brick dimensions were listed was of relatively little importance.
This situation no longer exists. Brick are now available in many varied sizes, ranging in thickness (bed depth) from a nominal 3 in. to 8 in. and, even, 10 and 12 in.; in height from a nominal 2 in. to 8 in. and in lengths up to 16 in. Consequently, it has become more important, when listing brick dimensions, to do so in an orderly manner so as to avoid misunderstandings in both shipments and construction procedures.
This issue of Technical Notes will discuss the sizes of brick units generally available in the United States and will establish a set pattern for the order in which brick dimensions should be listed.
BACKGROUND
Since the 1950 edition, Brick and Tile Engineering has listed brick dimensions in the order of thickness, height and length. It is most logical to list the face dimensions together in designating a brick size. The architect, in selecting a brick for a specific job, is primarily concerned with the aesthetics of the finished wall. In addition to color and texture, the face dimensions of the units play an important role in the appearance of the wall. The structural engineer, on the other hand, is more concerned with the thickness of the wall and its components. To more adequately identify the thickness of the brick unit would be of help to him.
In view of the precedent originally established in the 1950 edition of Brick and Tile Engineering and continued in subsequent editions, brick unit dimensions in the tables that follow are listed in the order of thickness first, followed by the face dimensions (height and length). It is recommended that specifications and purchase orders for brick follow the same standard order of listing brick dimensions.
BRICK DIMENSIONS AND NOMENCLATURE
The sizes of brick units shown in Tables 1 and 2, and in Figs. 1 and 2 are most typical of those currently being produced by the industry. However, few manufacturers produce all of the sizes shown; also, other sizes are produced by some manufacturers, the dimensions of which will vary from those shown here. For these reasons, it is recommended that the designer consult with manufacturers or distributors in his area before proceeding with a design incorporating a specific size of brick that may not be readily available in that particular locality.
The nomenclature indicated, although typical, is also not completely standard throughout the industry. Except for the "Standard", "Roman" and "Norman" sizes, individual manufacturers may have their own nomenclature for certain sizes listed here, or may have adopted the name for a size listed here for a unit with different dimensions. It is suggested, therefore, to preclude confusion that the purchaser or specifier first identify the brick by size.
Except for the non-modular "Standard", "over-size" and 3-in. units, most brick are produced in modular sizes. The nominal dimensions of modular brick are equal to the manufactured dimensions plus the thickness of the mortar joint for which the unit is designed. In general, the joint thicknesses used with brick are either 3/8 in. or 1/2 in.
The actual manufactured dimensions of the units may vary, of course, from the specified dimensions by not more than the permissible tolerances for variation in dimensions as prescribed in the applicable ASTM specifications.
It should be noted that the designated manufactured heights for the standard brick, the standard modular brick and all other modular brick designed to be laid three courses to 8 in. are the same (24 in.). There is a very practical reason for this. In 1946-47, when SCPI endorsed the adoption of modular coordination by the structural clay products industry, brick manufacturers who converted their production completely to modular sizes were faced with a problem in connection with supplying matching brick for additions to existing non-modular buildings. From the standpoint of
*Reg. U.S. Pat. Off., SCPI
Harry C. Plummer, Brick and Tile Engineering, Structural Clay
Products Institute, Second Edition, November 1962.
Standard Specifications for Facing Brick, ASTM Designation C
216-, Standard Specifications for Building Brick, ASTM Designation
C 62, and Standard Specifications for Hollow Brick, ASTM
Designation C 652-.