Engineering Bricks
(7 Products)Engineering bricks are dense fired-clay units used where high compressive strength and low water absorption are required. Our Class B range includes red and blue options in solid and perforated formats, sold individually and in packs.
Understanding Engineering Bricks
Engineering bricks are made from clay fired to produce a dense ceramic body. Their strength and low water absorption make them useful in load-bearing masonry, foundations and other construction details where the brick’s physical performance is important.
The range includes Class B engineering bricks in red and blue, with solid and perforated options. Classification, colour and format describe different characteristics. Match the brick’s declared strength, water absorption and durability to the construction requirements, then choose the appropriate format and finish.
Material Range
- Red Engineering Bricks: Class B clay bricks in solid and perforated formats, including smooth red 65mm bricks and Ibstock Chesterton pack options.
- Blue Engineering Bricks: Class B clay bricks with a smooth blue finish, available in 65mm solid and perforated formats.
Performance Benefits
- High compressive strength: Engineering bricks provide strength for masonry applications where the selected brick meets the design requirements.
- Low water absorption: The dense fired-clay body limits water uptake, an important consideration in damp-prone and exposed brickwork.
Typical Applications
- Substructure brickwork: Foundation and below-ground details where engineering bricks are specified for their strength and water-absorption properties.
- Load-bearing masonry: Walls and piers requiring the declared compressive strength of the selected brick.
- Retaining structures: Brickwork forming part of a designed retaining wall, alongside the required drainage and waterproofing details.
Specification & Standards
- BS EN 771-1: Specification for clay masonry units, covering declared characteristics such as strength, dimensions and density.
- BS EN 772-1: Test method for determining the compressive strength of masonry units.
- BS EN 772-21: Test method for determining the water absorption of clay and calcium silicate masonry units by cold-water absorption.
Related Materials and Construction Uses
Engineering bricks are laid with mortar selected to suit the brick, exposure and masonry design. They work alongside damp-proof course (DPC) materials where required by the wall detail. Below-ground and retaining-wall construction may also require separate waterproofing and drainage, depending on the design.
Frequently Asked Engineering Bricks Questions
What’s the Difference Between Red and Blue Engineering Bricks?
Red and blue describe the colour of the brick, rather than its strength classification. Both colours are available as Class B engineering bricks, but individual products can have different declared properties. Compare the named brick’s compressive strength, water absorption and durability before choosing the colour and format.
What’s the Difference Between Solid and Perforated Engineering Bricks?
Perforated engineering bricks have holes running through the brick body. Solid and perforated products are both available in this Class B range, allowing the format to be matched to the brickwork detail. Use the selected product’s declared performance rather than assuming that its format determines its strength.
What Are Engineering Bricks Made Of?
The engineering bricks in this range are made from fired clay. Firing produces a dense ceramic body with the strength and low water absorption required for engineering applications. Low water absorption does not mean that the completed brickwork is waterproof; moisture protection depends on the full construction detail.
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