Benefits of Interlocking Bricks

Interlocking bricks house designs are the enhanced form of conventional clay bricks. Each brick is constructively designed to lock itself to the other bricks around without the use of mortar. The self-locking is achieved using a shear-key and lock mechanism. Based on the design, the shape of the shear-key will vary, and a complimentary lock is provided on the opposite side of the brick. Load transfer is achieved by shear transfer and gravity.

Interlocking bricks hardwood installation cost Toronto are compressed and stabilized earth bricks which contributes to the strength of the structure. They are usually not subjected to baking. Interlocking bricks come in various sizes and locking systems depending on the supplier. The typical brick size is 230x100x75mm (9x4x3 in). The cost of interlocking bricks varies from 0.5$ to 2$.

How are Interlocking Bricks made?

High-quality interlocking bricks are made of cement, sand, and Stone dust mixed in appropriate proportions. The required materials are batched and mixed proportionately. Once the required mix is prepared, it is then compressed to form bricks with desirable interlocking patterns. The compression is achieved by using a hydraulic compression system. The bricks are then subjected to curing for about 7 days. Once the curing is done, the cement sets and bonds with sand adding to the stability of the brick. Whereas the soil compression adds strength and density to the brick. The interlocking bricks come in different designs, finishes, and patterns.

Benefits of Interlocking Bricks

• Earthquake resistant

During earthquakes, various stresses are acting on the structure. Conventional bricks are not fully equipped to transfer the seismic loads throughout the structure since the only medium of load transfer is the mortar. If the mortar fails, then the whole structure falls under seismic forces. Interlocking bricks are an effective and proven earthquake-resistant construction material. The self-locking pattern of the bricks enables the seismic forces to travel across the whole structure equivalently.

• Does not require plasterwork

Plastering can be time-consuming and costly in the case of conventional wall construction. Plastering of walls can be eliminated by using fair-faced bricks of your choice available in the market. If required, the walls can be given a smooth finish by applying a thin layer of paint. Since these bricks are self-designed that gives a neat finish, the maintenance cost is minimized.

• Provides cooler interior

High compacted bricks generally result in higher density, which in turn converts itself into high thermal mass. Henceforth, the walls made of high compacted bricks typically furnish warm interiors. Interlocking bricks are less heat intensive. The tests have shown that interlocking bricks provide a much cooler interior (3oC – 5oC). This enables lesser/no use of air conditioners resulting in minimized energy consumption and more cost-saving.

As the interlocking bricks alone are not enough to hold all the forces acting on the structure, it is not advised for a building to have more than two storeys.