EPiC database - Clay brick

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.Clay bricks are widely used in the construction industry for their strength, affordability and ease of construction. They have high durability, weather and fire resistance, compressive strength, and good thermal/sound insulative properties. The strength of a brick wall is also largely dependent on the quality of the mortar and workmanship.Bricks are made from clay, which is an abundant resource across most of the world. Clay is prepared and mixed to ensure consistent particle size and mineral content. The clay is then extruded, soft moulded or dry pressed into brick shaped forms. The bricks are dried in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, and fired in a high temperature oven/kiln. Coatings, glazing or textures are applied to give the brick its final appearance. The colour of a brick largely depends on the mineral content of the clay and final firing temperature. Bricks are commonly used for external cladding, loadbearing walls, flooring, and other construction elements. Face bricks usually have a decorative or smooth finish, while building/common bricks are used for internal structure. Bricks can also be hollowed, to reduce the volume of the brick and materials needed per unit.

本材料系自由环境性能在建筑（EPiC）数据库的一部分。EPiC数据库采用全面的混合生命周期清单方法，收集了250多种建筑材料的环境负荷系数。黏土砖因其强度、经济性和施工简便性在建筑行业中得到广泛应用。黏土砖具有优异的耐久性、抗风、耐火性能、抗压强度以及良好的热/隔音隔热性能。砖墙的强度在很大程度上取决于砂浆的质量和施工工艺。砖块由黏土制成，黏土作为一种在世界大部分地区丰富的资源，经过精心准备和混合，确保了颗粒尺寸和矿物成分的一致性。黏土随后被挤压、软模成型或干压成砖状形态。砖块在温度和湿度可控的环境中干燥，并在高温炉/窑中烧制。表面涂层、釉面或纹理被施加于砖块，以赋予其最终的外观。砖块的颜色主要取决于黏土的矿物成分和最终的烧制温度。砖块通常用于外饰面、承重墙、地板和其他建筑元素。面砖通常具有装饰性或光滑的表面处理，而建筑/普通砖则用于内部结构。砖块还可以制成空心，以减少砖块及每单位所需的材料量。