Field testing methods of brick

Simple tests that can be done at site to judge the quality of bricks:

1. Visual / shape test: bricks should be uniform in size and colour (deep red or cherry), with sharp edges and plane faces, and free from cracks, lumps and flaws.
2. Hardness test: a scratch with a fingernail should not leave an impression.
3. Soundness (ring) test: two bricks struck together should give a clear metallic ringing sound and should not break.
4. Structure test: a broken brick should show a homogeneous, compact, uniform structure without voids or lime lumps.
5. Drop test: a brick dropped from about 1 m onto hard ground should not break.
6. Water absorption test: a dry brick is weighed, soaked in water for 24 hours and weighed again. A first-class brick should not absorb more than 20 percent of its dry weight (about 22 percent for second class and 25 percent for third class); IS 1077 limits absorption to 20 percent for common bricks up to class 12.5 and 15 percent for higher classes.
7. Efflorescence test: a brick placed in a dish of water should show little or no white salt patches after drying.
8. Dimension test: measure 20 bricks laid in a line to check the size tolerance.