Interlocking Bricks: Advantages and Disadvantages
Introduction Of Interlocking Bricks
Interlocking bricks are different from conventional bricks that do not require mortar for the construction of walls. These are designed in such a way that each brick can lock itself with others due to the key and lock mechanism. In this civil engineering article you will know about the pros and cons of interlocking bricks.
There are different types of interlocking bricks like interlocking paving bricks, interlock wall bricks, interlocking landscape bricks, interlocking retaining wall bricks, mud interlocking bricks etc.
Interlocking Bricks Price
Interlocking bricks are sold in the market starting at Rs 8 a piece. Depending on the product's material, size, application, strength, design, brand, and other factors, the interlocking bricks price per unit can increase to Rs 130–150.
Interlocking bricks design is a difficult task that can give you a painful back. Hiring a landscaping or mason contractor to complete the task for you can be more cost-effective.
Interlock Bricks Size
The interlocking bricks are 125 mm x 250 mm x 100 mm in size and the diameter of reinforcement bar (rebar) should be 12 mm.
Advantages of Interlocking Bricks
Here are the potential benefits of interlocking bricks in the construction industry.
Earthquake Resistant
One of the significant benefits of interlocking bricks is they act as good earthquake resistance. There are various stresses on the structure due to earthquakes. Conventional bricks couldn’t bear the stress as they cannot transfer the seismic load across the structure equivalently.
Only mortar can transfer the seismic loads, and if it fails, the whole structure will fail. At the same time, interlocking bricks are equipped to transfer the seismic forces equivalently across the whole structure because of the self-locking pattern.
Elimination of Plaster Work
Another appreciable benefit of interlocking bricks is they can eliminate the plastering work. As a result, it saves time and money as compared to conventional wall construction. By designing smooth finished bricks, plastering work can be completely laminated.
A thin layer of paint can work the wall to give a smooth finish to the wall. Building walls with these self-designed bricks gives a neat finish that significantly reduces the maintenance cost.
Cooler Interior
Walls made from high compacted bricks usually give warm interiors. It’s because the high-compacted bricks have a high density that converts them to resist the airflow resulting in warm interiors.
On the other hand, interlocking bricks have less density than conventional bricks that allow good air-flow. So, walls with these bricks furnish a much cooler interior. So, there is no need for air-conditioners which minimizes power consumption and saves money.
ALSO READ :
Unskilled and Fewer Labours
Skilled laborers are required for constructing walls with conventional bricks as it requires some skills to check the water level, spirit level, and other skilled works. That’s why unskilled laborers find it difficult to construct conventional walls.
On the other hand, unskilled laborers can easily learn the construction procedure with interlocking bricks. Moreover, fewer laborers are required for construction with these bricks. So, it also minimizes the labor cost, which is a great benefit for entrepreneurs.
Minimizes Cost and Time
Since there is no need for the construction process, it can significantly reduce the cost of buying cement, sand, stone dust, and mortar. Moreover, it also reduces the cost of labor and transportation cost.
On top of that, the construction process is time-efficient. Usually, conventional bricks need 21 days of cure, whereas interlocking bricks need only seven days of cure. As it does not require plastering work, it saves money and time.
Disadvantages of Interlocking Bricks
Although there are some benefits of interlocking bricks, they also have a few disadvantages.
- The lines between the bricks can be hostages for insects as there is no plasterwork.
- Another major disadvantage is the disintegration of bricks due to adverse weather conditions.
- Not suitable for buildings more than two storeys as the bricks alone cannot hold all the loads.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the above information has helped you to know the advantages and disadvantages of interlocking bricks. If you have any queries, please mention them in the comments below.
