Blocks and Bricks

Introduction To Brick (Block)


Brick is a decorative and building block that does not naturally spawn anywhere. It is mostly used to make


nice looking homes and towers. Since brick is not flammable, it is often used to make fireplaces. Brick blocks


are made by putting clay in a furnace and then crafting the bricks in a 2x2 square. Brick is a durable block


and resists explosions well. Apickaxe must be used to recover the resource of a placed block, but it will take


under a second to break. Breaking a block with the player's hand is slow and will not yield the resource.


Clay's only current usage is to be made into bricks or clay blocks, as breaking clay drops 4 clay balls, which


can then be smelted into clay bricks. The 4 clay bricks can then be crafted into one brick block. This means


that for each clay block found in a map, players can make 1 brick block.


Brick (Block)

How To Lay Bricks And Blocks

Building with brick and block offers the homeowner and contractor great flexibility. The projects are limitless.

For purposes of this Training Manual, we will cover the basics of laying a brick or block wall. Rarely does a do-

it-yourselfer tackle a wall more than 3 or 4 feet high. Any wall higher than this may need steel reinforcement, 

more in-depth training and a review by an architect or engineer. From this review, you will see the products 

and tools needed and be able to guide a consumer through a simple project.

Brick And Block Laying Basics

The first step in building a brick or block wall is to construct a solid footing or foundation wall. (See Slab 

Construction) Be sure to allow the footing or foundation at least two full days to cure before beginning to 

lay the block or brick. Keep the block or brick moist to reduce the absorption of too much moisture from 

the mortar.

Good brick and block work starts on a good level foundation. Spacers, plumb lines and levels are used to 

keep successive courses straight and plumb. The figure below shows how to start building up the corners 

first, setting the level string lines and filling in toward the center of the wall. The next figures show how to lay 

the block or brick in the mortar bed.

Mixing The Mortar

SAKRETE® Mortar Mix Type N or S is prepackaged and only needs the addition of water. The amount of 

water needed is printed on the bag and will produce a nice "fat" plastic mortar. For best results, use a 

mechanical mortar mixer and mix thoroughly until all material is wet and of a smooth, plastic consistency. A 

mortar box and hoe can also be used for smaller projects.

Use a mortarboard and a pointed mason's trowel. When the air temperature is between 70° and 80°F, the 

mixed mortar should be used within 1 hour. When used at temperatures above 80°, mortar will set faster. 

Adding extra water to the mortar after the initial mixing (this is called retempering) is not recommended as 

this will reduce strength and can cause shrinkage.

Laying Brick or Block

Apply a full mortar bed on the clean foundation, footing or ledge and carefully place the block or brick into 

the setting bed.

Trimming off the excess mortar

The consistency and thickness of the mortar must be such that the brick or block does not move out of 

place or compress the mortar. Lightly tap the block or brick in place using the handle of the trowel. This 

assures good contact between the block or brick and the mortar.

Build up the corners first, then use the building line to aid in leveling each course. A running bond pattern is 

most common.

When placing consecutive courses, remove the excess mortar with a quick striking motion of the trowel. 

Excess mortar is saved and applied to the next head joint of the brick. A jointing tool (curved faced tool) 

may be used to press the mortar into joints of brick after the excess has been struck off.

The best way to proceed is to place the mortar for the horizontal joints first, then butter each brick or block 

on one end only to form the vertical or head joint on one side only.

Place the brick or block in the setting bed, tap in place. Butter the end of the next brick and set against the 

previous one.

Tap in place and so on, being careful to make each block or brick follow the building line as close as possible.

All work starts with the corners. The last brick placed to complete a course is called a "closer." Most often the 

closer is a full stretcher somewhere in the middle of the course.

Many brick or block patterns, require cutting.

Block walls that are used to support a roof, floor joists, etc., are finished with a sill plate to provide a means 

to set and anchor the roof or floor joists. The sill plate is also anchored with bolts into the block cells filled 

with portland cement grout.

The support over windows or other openings is created by a "lintel," a horizontal piece of steel, cast or 

precast concrete serving to support the masonry above.

Brick And Block Paving

Uses and Applications Block paving has been THE growth area in the British and Irish Paving Industry over the last 20 years.  Mass production techniques have reduced the prices of manufactured blocks to a reasonable level,  and made this type of paving affordable to most projects. In fact, concrete block paving costs only £3- 6 per m² more than plain flags/slabs, when laid to a domestic driveway. Brick or Block paving can be used anywhere. They look great on drives and will provide many years of  service. They can be used to great effect as paths, or patios, or mixed with other paving types to  create a unique feature. They are a viable alternative to the more traditional asphalt or macadam  surfacing for estate roads, and let's face it, they look a lot better than tarmacadam or plain concrete.  They are even being used in areas of exceptional loads, such as airport taxi-ways, docks and freight  yards. The design possibilities enabled by the use of these relatively small paving units are limited only by  your imagination. If you can "see it in your mind's eye", then it can probably be constructed from block  or brick paving.

Types of blocks and bricks

There two basic types of block paving; the moulded concrete block (CBP - Concrete Block 

Pavers), and the kiln-fired clay brick, hence the interchangeability of the terms block and brick 

paving. In the following notes, concrete types are referred to as blocks, and clays as bricks.

However, both may also be known as pavers, paviors, or paviours, as well as some more obscure 

terms, not all of which are repeatable in polite company!

The bricks and blocks are available in a range of thicknesses, from 40mm to 100mm. There are even  120mm units for exceptional applications, but they are not likely to be found in stock at your local  supplier! For domestic use, the 50mm or 60mm units are most suitable. 80mm thick units are used for  road construction or where there will be regular vehicle overrun, while the 100mm thick units are for  heavy-duty pavements such as those in Freight Yards, Ports and Airports. We find that the 40mm thick  blocks are now (thankfully) difficult to obtain and offer no significant cost saving over a 50mm thick unit.  They are/were also particularly prone to breakage during the compaction phase of construction.

Given the wide range of products on the market, choosing a block or brick paver for any given project  can be a long, complex and fraught decision.  Concrete Blocks Amongst the concrete blocks there is an enormous variety of shapes, sizes, colours,  and textures now available, with all the major concrete paving manufacturers producing their own  versions of the standard rectangular block, and also special shapes, "olde-worlde" looking tumbled or  antiqued units, and an ever increasing array of textured blocks. Amongst contractors, specifiers and manufacturers, the blocks are often referred to as "CBP" - Concrete  Block Paving Typical concrete block Most rectangular blocks are moulded to a specific size, 100mm x 200mm x 50- 100mm, with exactly 50 blocks per square metre, and, because of this standard  size, blocks from different manufacturers may be interchangeable, depending on  tolerances and position of any spacer lugs. The typical rectangular blocks tend to  have one presentable face, although some blocks are reversible, which makes easy  work of replacing stained paving. The colour of concrete blocks is achieved by the use of concrete dyes, usually some  form of metallic oxide. Even the best dyes are prone to some fading in natural  daylight and the quality of the dyes is a significant factor in block price; cheaper  blocks are usually coloured by cheaper, inferior dyes. The manufacturers rarely  entertain any complaints of fading, so choose carefully. Make your selection by  looking at blocks that have been in place for at least a couple of years, rather than  from glossy publicity photos or newly-laid paving. Through-colour and face-mix There are two manufacturing processes used to produce colour (and, to a lesser  extent, texture) in a concrete block. The first process, known as 'through colour', relies on placing all of the concrete  (even though it may be three or more different colours of concrete) into the mould  in one operation, and then pressing and compacting to create a unit that has the  colour running right through the block, even though it's most likely that only the top  surface will ever be seen once the paving is laid.

Through colour concrete block

The colour is present throughout the whole block

While this use of expensively-coloured concrete throughout the block may be considered 

wasteful, there are manufacturing cost savings, that have to be considered.

The alternative is to use a technique known as "Face Mix", in which a no-frill, un-coloured

'backing mix' or 'base mix' is first placed into the mould, partially pressed and then topped 

with a high-quality, coloured 'face mix' concrete. The whole is then pressed and compacted 

before being de-moulded and passed into the curing chamber.

There is a delay of only a very few seconds between placing the base and the face, so there 

is no day joint or construction joint, no plane of weakness, and absolutely no risk of 

delamination between the two. The block cures as one, single, monolithic mass of concrete.

Example of a face-mix block

The face mix is clearly visible above the backing mix concrete that makes up the bulk of the block.

Face Mix allows the money to be spent only on that part of the block that will actually be 

seen once the paving is laid. 

Face Mix technology enables the manufacturer to use cheaper, possibly recycled aggregates 

and alternative cements such as PFA and GGBFS for the backing mix, and to use a much 

smaller quality of very high quality fine aggregates, cements and colours in the face mix.

While there may be cost savings, the production cycle-time for face mix manufacturing is 

greater than that for the through-colour process, and so less block per hour can be 

manufactured. There are also other costs involved in creating separate bins for face mix 

aggregates and separate hoppers for the face mix concrete once mixed.

It's not possible to say that one production technique is better than the other. Both have 

their advantages and disadvantages, and some special products, such as tumbled blocks, 

need to be through-coloured otherwise they would have just the one serviceable face. 

However, most production in Ireland, in continental Europe, and in North America use face-

mix technology far more widely than has been the case in Britain to date.

Clay paviors in differing sizes and colours

The most usual size is 100-105 x 200-215 x 60mm; this means that, with some bricks, there are  less than 50 bricks per square metre, and that not all clays are interchangeable. Unlike the  concrete blocks, most clays are manufactured with 2 presentable faces, allowing them to be  inverted to replace stained paving.

Clay paviors on my own patio

The colour of clay bricks is completely natural, not a chemical dye, and so these bricks are not  subject to fading as are the concrete types. This use of natural colour also means that the range of  colours available is almost limitless; reds, browns, buffs, greys, blues and a mass of multi-colour  blends. If colour is an important factor in your project, clay bricks are probably the solution. From a contractor's point of view, clay bricks are much harder to cut with a conventional block  splitter than are concrete blocks, and it's worth hiring-in a diamond-bladed bench-saw if there are a  lot of cuts to be made.

Note that 'house' bricks, 'facing' bricks or 'commons' ARE NOT SUITABLE for paving. They were never  designed for that purpose, and often fail when wrongly used as a pavior, by flaking or cracking or  just disintegrating in damp conditions. Conversely, paving bricks are not designed to build walls or  pillars. Horses for courses, as they say. Coverage Rates Coverage rates are very straightforward, as block or brick paving is bought by area. It is wise to  allow 5% wastage to allow for cuts and accidents. We 'round-up' to the nearest full pack of blocks  or bricks, to ensure we have plenty. Surplus pavings can sometimes be returned to your supplier  for partial rebate (a "re-stocking charge" of 10-20% is common) Laying methods There are two laying methods commonly used. The most popular is termed 'flexible paving', indicating  that the blocks or bricks are laid on a sand bed and the joints filled with a fine silica sand. A detailed  description of the methods used in laying a flexible pavement is given on the flexible construction  page. There is also a step-by-step illustrated guide to a typical block paving project and a design  guide for Highway and Commercial projects. Rigid paving refers to, usually, clay bricks laid on a concrete or mortar bed with mortar joints, much as  a wall, although on the horizontal plane, rather than vertical. This type of brick paving uses completely  different construction methods and is covered on the rigid brick paving page. Maintenance Medium level maintenance is required once laid. Sweep occasionally to remove dust and detritus. If  you find green algae building up on them, it can be safely removed by cleaning or, we are told, by  swilling the area with Jeyes Fluid to kill the algae, which can then be swept away after a couple of  days. Use of a pressure washer should be limited to very dirty pavements and no more than once a  year, as the high-power water jet loosens jointing and can damage some pavings. We recommend that block or brick paving be treated twice a year with a general weedkiller such as  Sodium Chlorate, to deter mosses and weeds from setting up residence in the sand joints.

Algae and moss on clay pavers can be attractive in the right setting

Concrete blocks can be prone to weed growing into the joints

It's worth noting that, generally speaking, weeds grow INTO paving, not through it, unless it 

has been really badly laid. The claims made regarding the necessity or value of "weed 

barriers" beneath block paving are spurious and should be treated with caution.

There is a wide range of sealants available to protect the completed paving from colour 

degradation and oil spillage. The best sealants will repel oils, weak acids, dirt and weeds; the 

cheap ones are little more than glorified varnish.

Paving Bricks

Large Urban Paver Laying Pattern

Large Urban Paver

Extra large non-Beveled paver designed for smooth trafficing of trolleys at shopping complexes but at the same time it creates a uniquely, contemporary look to compliment modern residential architecture.

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend Granite Marble	Dimensions 300mm x 400mm Thickness 60mm Mass per Paver ± 17.5kg Compressive Strength 25-45MPa Pavers per m2 8

Bevel Bond Paver

Bevel Bond Paver

An unadorned, smooth-surfaced paver with bevelled edges, ideal for areas where an array of patterns, borders and colours are called for.

Colours: Specifications: Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 50mm Mass per Paver ± 2.1kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 50 Split Bevel Bond Paver A modern, smooth-surfaced, cobble-look paver with bevelled edges. This paver creates the impression of 100mm x 100mm cobbles. Colours: Specifications: Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 50mm Mass per Paver ± 2.1kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 50 Rio Rocoso Bevel Paver From the spanish, “rocky river”, this paver has the appearance of a ripple-surfaced cobble with bevelled edges. The texture adds rustic appeal to applications like driveways and garden walkways. Colours: Specifications: Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 50mm Mass per Paver ± 2.1kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 50 Smooth Ethnic Paver This contemporary, larger paver has a natural look and bevelled edges. Because the larger surface creates the perception of space, it leands itself to driveways and landscaping applications in residential estates amongst others Laying Pattern Colours: Specifications: Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend Dimensions 200mm x 150mm Thickness 55mm Mass per Paver ± 3.7kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 33 Venetian Paver Laid in a distinctive herringbone pattern, this paver provides classic charm and an elegant touch.

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 250mm x 55mm Thickness 60mm Mass per Paver ± 1.9kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 72.7

Bosun Cobble

With its rustic charm, this paver lends warmth and character to any architectural style. It creates the effect of a larger cobble stone (150mm x 150mm)

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 300mm x 150mm Thickness 50mm or 60mm Mass per Paver ± 5.8kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 22.2

Rio Rocoso Interlocker

Designed to ‘lock’ together when installed, this paver has the appearance of a ripple-surfaced cobble with bevelled edges.

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 60mm Mass per Paver ± 2.6kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 50

Shale Interlocking Paver

This wavy-surfaced, stone-textured paver with beveled edges is designed to ‘lock’ together when installed.

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 60mm Mass per Paver ± 2.6kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m2 50

60mm Interlocking Paver

A robust paver, available in a versatile range of colours.

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 60mm Mass per Paver ± 2.6kg Compressive Strength 25MPa or 35MPa Pavers per m2 50

80mm Interlocking Paver

A heavy-duty paver, available in a versatile range of colours.

Laying Patterns

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 200mm x 100mm Thickness 80mm Mass per Paver ± 3.4kg Compressive Strength 25MPa or 35MPa Pavers per m2 50

WaterwisePaver

Designed to use in permeable paving systems, this paver anchors itself to pavers form adjoining rows, while leaving gaps in the surface, through which water could drain. The patented design allows for various installation options, determined by the level of permeability required.

Layout Patterns

Waterwise Paver

Specifications:
Dimensions	239mm x 209mm
Height	60mm
Mass per Paver	± 4.1kg
Compressive strength	25MPa
Pavers per m²	Vary according to permeability (23-30)

Economy Paver

Grass Blocks

By preventing soil erosion and through their permeability, Bosun Brick’s Grass Blocks are environmentally friendly. While functional, the blocks also create an aesthetically pleasing, natural look that complements the surrounding vegetation.

Colours:	Specifications:
Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend	Dimensions 600mm(L) x 400mm(W) x 100mm(H) Mass per Unit +- 34.5kg Compressive Strength 25MPa Pavers per m² 4.2

Retaining Wall Blocks

curved

straight 

snaked

Versatile:

• in aesthetic appeal, used with either the front, back or side of the block exposed to create different finishes.
• in strength, installed in numerous ways to cater to the retaining wall’s strength requirements.
• in function, can be used to create a “living” wall.
• in laying patterns.
The load is carried on 5 points on the block compared to 3 points on similar systems thereby increasing the stability of the wall.

Colours: Multi-blend Grey Red Sahara Black Tan Brown Autumn Blend

Technical specifications Side on Side on Front & back on Front & back on closed orientation open orientation closed orientation open orientation Volume 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 Length(mm) 420 600 300 523 Height(mm) 200 200 200 200 Area(m2) 0.08 0.12 0.06 0.105 Blocks per m2 12 8.33 16.67 9.56 Weight per block (kgs) 28 28 28 28 Minimum wall angle from horizontal 50° 50° 46° 46° Maximum wall angle from horizontal “without lip” 90° 90° 90° 90° Maximum wall angle from horizontal “with lip” 88° 88° 90° 90° Advantages •solid •structural benefits •reduced erosion •solid •structural benefits •reduced erosion •living wall •solid •structural benefits •reduced erosion •solid •structural benefits •reduced erosion •living wall

Kerbs

Half-battered, heavy duty barrier kerb. Used to create traffic islands and corners. It restricts access onto the pavement. Used in heavy traffic areas.

Mass of 1000mm length +- 110kg

Mass of 330mm length +- 36kg

Minimum transverse strength 22kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 20MPa

Half-battered, medium duty barrier kerb. Installed in townhouse complexes and small shopping centres.

Mass of 1000mm length +- 80kg

Mass of 330mm length +- 26kg

Minimum transverse strength 19kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 20MPa

Semi-mountable kerb. The shape allows motor vehicles to mount the kerb if necessary. Only used on roads.

Mass of 1000mm length +- 105kg

Mass of 330mm length +- 35kg

Minimum transverse strength 23kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 20MPa

Medium-duty mountable kerb, suited to commercial traffic.

Mass of 1000mm length +- 86kg

Mass of 330mm length +- 27kg

Minimum transverse strength 15.5kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 20MPa

Mountable kerb, used at the entrances to driveways, separates the road and the driveway.

Mass of 1000mm length +- 107kg

Mass of 330mm length +- 36kg

Minimum transverse strength 20.5kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 20MPa

Garden kerb. Used as the edging of pathways and flower beds, to ensure that the paving does not shift. Can also be used as an anchor block on slopes.

Mass of 500mm length +- 12kg

Minimum transverse strength 2.5kN

Density 2200kg/m3

Core test after 14 days 10MPa

Channel for run-off water, used on commercial and industrial roads.

Mass of 1000mm length	+- 72kg
Mass of 330mm length	+- 24kg
Minimum transverse strength	11kN
Density	2200kg/m3
Core test after 14 days	20MPa

Reflective Pavers and Kerbs

Laying Patterns

Reflective Pavers and Kerbs

A reflective topping is applied to any smooth surfaced Bosun paver or kerb. Used in conjunction with standard Bosun pavers to form reflective demarcation, informational and directional road markings.

Colours:

Red

Yellow

White

Applications

Stop streets

Pedestrian crossings

Traffic islands

Speed humps

Parking bays

Chevrons

Benefits: 

• Superior to traditional painted road markings.

• Virtually maintenance free.

• Easy to install – you just need to slot in the paving, whereas with painted road markings the pavers need to be treated with acid wash prior to priming, painting and sealing.

• Long-term cost savings – performance trials in Singapore demonstrated that under similar traffic conditions, painted road markings started to disappear within a month. The reflective pavers continued to perform after seven years.

• Wear and tear exposes the reflective beads in the topping, therefore improving the luminosity of the reflective pavers over time.