Special bricks
[edit] What are special bricks?
Short Guide: Traditional Scottish Brickwork, published, on 1 March 2014 by Historic Environment Scotland, defines special bricks, or specials as: ‘Any purpose-made bricks of non-standard shape.’
Standard bricks tend to be rectangular in shape. The standard co-ordinating size for brickwork is 225 mm x 112.5 mm x 75 mm (length x depth x height). This includes 10 mm mortar joints, so the standard size of a brick itself is 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm (length x depth x height).
[edit] What are the different types of special brick?
Special bricks are not rectangular, and include:
- Radial, tapered or arch bricks.
- Angle and cant bricks that form returns and chamfers.
- Bullnose bricks with rounded corners.
- Capping and coping bricks.
- Cill bricks.
- Plinth bricks.
- Slip bricks (thin bricks that can be used for cladding).
- Soldier bricks, that form returns for soldier courses.
Bricks can also be cut or hand made to size.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024 winners
Fresco School by Roman Robroek and Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.