---
title: "Why bricks are widely used"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:why-bricks-widely-used"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/why-bricks-widely-used
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Why bricks are widely used

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 3: Clay Products

- Asked in: 2075 Asoj, 2 marks; 2081 Baisakh, 2 marks; 2080 Baisakh, 2 marks (asked 3 times)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/why-bricks-widely-used
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-3

## Question

Why are (fired/burnt clay) bricks extensively used as a building material in the construction industry (Nepal)? Explain briefly.

## Short answer

Burnt clay bricks are economical and locally available in Nepal, made from abundant clay. They offer good strength, durability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation, are easy to handle and bond, and do not require skilled labor, making them ideal for construction.

## Answer

Burnt clay bricks are widely used in Nepal because:

1. **Raw material** (clay) is easily available all over the Terai and valleys.
2. **Low cost** and simple, labour-intensive manufacture.
3. **Good strength and durability** for walls and foundations.
4. **Small size and light weight**, so they are easy to handle and lay.
5. **Good thermal and sound insulation** and fire resistance.
6. **Easy to bond** with mortar and to plaster, and they allow varied designs.
7. **Do not need skilled labour** and can be reused or broken for aggregate.
8. A well established brick industry provides ready supply.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Main reason for wide use of bricks in Nepal:
   A. Bricks are imported cheaply
   B. They need skilled labour
   C. Clay is easily available and the cost is low
   D. They are very heavy
   Answer: C. Clay is available in Terai and valleys, with simple manufacture. (Key point: Raw material)

2. Bricks are easy to handle because of:
   A. Large size
   B. High density
   C. Smooth surface
   D. Small size and light weight
   Answer: D. Small light units are easy to lay. (Key point: Size)

3. Bricks give good:
   A. Thermal and sound insulation and fire resistance
   B. Electrical conduction
   C. Flexibility
   D. Transparency
   Answer: A. These properties suit walls. (Key point: Properties)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Why plastics are widely used](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Awhy-plastic-used-extensively) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 10, asked 3×
- [Manufacturing process of bricks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Amanufacturing-process-of-bricks) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3, asked 4×
- [Preparation of clay for bricks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aclay-preparation-for-bricks) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3
- [Polymers in building construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Apolymer-properties-uses-building) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 10, asked 2×
- [Compressive strength of Nepali bricks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Abrick-compressive-strength-nepal) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3
- [Why timber is used; seasoning method](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-method-and-timber-use) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7

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- [FACTS and HVDC for Nepal's power industry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fhigh_voltage_engineering%3Afacts-hvdc-nepal-upgrade) — High Voltage Engineering, chapter 1
- [Terminology used in stair construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Astair-terminology) — Building Technology, chapter 5
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