---
title: "Field testing methods of brick"
subject: "Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure:brick-field-testing-methods"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/brick-field-testing-methods
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Field testing methods of brick

Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure · Chapter 10: Testing of masonry elements

- Asked in: 2082 Baisakh, 2 marks
- Video: [What are the tests performed on bricks?|How to Check the Quality of Bricks on site?|Tests on Bricks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkHIaI9lPSc) — Civillogy (Study of Civil Engineering)
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/brick-field-testing-methods
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/chapter-10

## Question

What are the field-testing methods of brick?

## Short answer

Field tests include visual inspection for uniform size/shape and sharp edges; scratch test (no mark); ringing sound when struck; broken surface should be homogeneous; drop from 1 m should not break; 24-hour water absorption ≤20% (first class); and efflorescence should be minimal. Dimensions are checked by measuring 20 bricks.

## Answer

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.

## Check yourself

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

1. What does the soundness test check?
   A. Two bricks struck together give a metallic ring and do not break
   B. Brick colour
   C. Water absorption
   D. Size
   Answer: A. A clear ringing sound with no breakage indicates well-burnt, sound bricks. (Key point: Ring test)

2. What is the drop test?
   A. Dropping from about 1 m onto hard ground; should not break
   B. Dropping in water
   C. Dropping a weight on it
   D. Heating it
   Answer: A. A good brick survives a drop of about 1 m. (Key point: Drop test)

## Related in Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure

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