1. Burnt Clay Bricks (Traditional Red Bricks)
Description
Made by burning clay in a kiln, a basic part of different types of bricks used in India.
Commonly used in load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls among many types of bricks available today.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High compressive strength (3.5–10 MPa) | High self-weight |
| Good durability | Quality varies |
| Works efficiently with construction brick types | Environmentally less friendly (kiln burning) |
Impact on Structural Design
Increases dead load, leading to:
- Higher foundation size
- Bigger columns & beams
- Less economical in high-rise buildings using types of blocks
2. Fly Ash Bricks
Description
Manufactured using fly ash, cement, sand, and water.
Uniform shape and quality similar to other different types of bricks on the market.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High strength (7.5–12 MPa) | Needs curing |
| Low water absorption | Brittle compared to clay bricks |
| Environment-friendly option in construction brick types |
Impact on Structural Design
- Slightly lighter than red bricks → reduced dead load
- Better dimensional accuracy → less plaster thickness
Moderately economical for types of blocks
3. AAC Blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks)
Description
Lightweight, precast foam concrete blocks — one of the most popular types of blocks today.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very lightweight (1/3 of a red brick) | Lower compressive strength (3–4 MPa) |
| Thermal & sound insulation | Requires special masonry skills |
| Faster construction | Needs external protection from moisture |
| Large sizes reduce mortar usage in lightweight concrete blocks |
Impact on Structural Design
- Significantly reduces dead load → smaller columns, beams, and footings
- Ideal for economical high-rise building design. Saves 20–25% concrete & steel due to weight reduction — best among construction brick types
4. CLC Blocks (Cellular Lightweight Concrete)
Description
Foam-based lightweight concrete blocks (non-autoclaved), considered among modern types of blocks.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lightweight | Lower strength |
| Good insulation | Dimensional inaccuracy |
| Cheaper than AAC | Slower production |
Impact on Structural Design
- Reduced dead load (less than AAC)
- Good for low to medium-rise structures
- Moderate structural savings with these construction brick types
5. Concrete Solid & Hollow Blocks
Hollow Blocks
Used widely in external/internal walls
Strength = 3.5–7 MPa
Solid Blocks
Used where a higher load capacity is required
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Faster construction | Heavier than AAC / CLC |
| Good sound insulation | Needs a skilled mason for alignment |
| High durability |
Impact on Structural Design
- Hollow blocks → reduce dead load by 20–30% compared to red bricks
- Solid blocks → comparable to red bricks
Moderately economical structural design among construction brick types
6. Stabilised Mud Blocks / Compressed Earth Blocks
Description
Made from soil, sand, cement/lime using a manual or mechanical press — eco-friendly types of bricks.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very eco-friendly | Quality depends on the soil mix |
| Good thermal performance | Not suitable for high-rise structures |
| Cost-effective |
Impact on Structural Design
- Lower dead load reduces member sizes
- More economical for G+1, G+2 structures
- Not suitable for multistorey structural savings, but good as lightweight blocks
7. Porotherm Clay Hollow Blocks
Description
Hollow terracotta blocks by Wienerberger, etc.
A premium option among modern types of bricks.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lightweight | Expensive |
| Excellent thermal insulation | Requires skilled labour |
| Sound-proof | |
| Fast construction |
Impact on Structural Design
- Very low dead load → similar or better than AAC
Ideal for tall buildings
- Structural cost savings 20–30% — superior among lightweight blocks
COMPARISON OF DEAD LOAD (Approx.)
| Material | Density | Relative Load |
| Red Brick Masonry | ~1800 kg/m³ | Highest |
| Solid Concrete Block | ~1600–1800 kg/m³ | High |
| Hollow Concrete Block | ~1200–1500 kg/m³ | Medium |
| Fly Ash Brick | ~1400–1600 kg/m³ | Medium |
| Porotherm Block | ~650–800 kg/m³ | Low |
| AAC Block | ~550–750 kg/m³ | Lowest |
| CLC Block | ~600–800 kg/m³ | Low |
Structural Cost Impact Summary
1. Dead Load Reduction
AAC / Porotherm reduce wall weight by 60–70%
Leads to:
- Smaller beams
- Smaller columns
- Smaller raft/footings
- Reduced reinforcement steel
2. Construction Speed & Cost
Larger block sizes → less mortar, faster work
Reduces labour costs in all construction brick types
3. Suitable Applications
| Material | Best Use |
| Red Brick | Small buildings, traditional projects |
| Fly Ash | Economical urban projects |
| AAC | High-rise, commercial, large housing |
| CLC | Low-rise economical housing |
| Concrete Blocks | Basements, partitions, robustness required |
| Porotherm | Premium residential/commercial high-rise |
| Mud Blocks | Eco-friendly, low-rise buildings |
Final Recommendation for Economical Structural Design
For high-rise and cost-efficient construction, use:
- AAC Blocks or Porotherm Blocks
For low to mid-rise, use:
- Fly ash bricks / Hollow concrete blocks
These give the maximum structural savings while maintaining performance across all different types of bricks used today.
Explore more: If planning to build your dream home?
Check out Eternal Foundations—a helpful guide to building a strong, safe home that lasts for generations.📩 For a free e-book, email me at kapil.chawla@tesproconsultants.com