Brick masonry specific weight: weight of 1 m³ and density
Brick masonry is one of four varieties of artificial stone masonry, along with small-block, ceramic and mixed masonry. This type of masonry is one of the most popular and is used everywhere. It is used in construction work for building walls, bridge supports, crossings and similar structures.
Its popularity is due to ease of implementation and versatility. This technology has been known at least since the 8th millennium BC, as confirmed by excavations of the Mehrgarh settlement in Pakistan. Even then, people understood that this method was one of the best for construction work.
Brick Masonry Specific Weight Table
Below is a detailed table to simplify calculations, including the weight of brick masonry.
| Material | Specific weight (g/cm³) | Weight of 1 m³ (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Average value for all brick types | 1.7-1.9 | 1700-1900 |
| Single ceramic solid clay red brick | 1.7-1.8 | 1700-1800 |
| One-and-a-half ceramic solid clay red brick | 1.6-1.7 | 1600-1700 |
| Double ceramic solid clay red brick | 1.5-1.6 | 1500-1600 |
| Single ceramic hollow clay red brick | 1.3-1.4 | 1300-1400 |
| One-and-a-half ceramic hollow clay red brick | 1.27-1.3 | 1270-1300 |
| Double ceramic hollow clay red brick | 1.1-1.27 | 1100-1270 |
| Single ceramic hollow clay red facing brick | 1.2-1.7 | 1200-1700 |
| One-and-a-half ceramic hollow clay red facing brick | 0.9-1.05 | 900-1050 |
| Single solid white silicate brick | 1.8 | 1800 |
| One-and-a-half solid white silicate brick | 1.7-1.8 | 1700-1800 |
| Single hollow white silicate brick | 1.7 | 1700 |
| One-and-a-half hollow white silicate brick | 1.5 | 1500 |
| Double hollow white silicate brick | 1.4 | 1400 |
| Single hollow white silicate facing brick | 1.5-1.7 | 1500-1700 |
| One-and-a-half hollow white silicate facing brick | 1.3-1.5 | 1300-1500 |
| Single solid fireclay refractory brick | 1.7-1.9 | 1700-1900 |
Specific Weight Calculations
In construction calculations, material density and the mass of one cubic meter are most often used. The table above provides approximate values for brick masonry in kg/m³. They are suitable for preliminary assessment of structure weight, but accurate calculation must consider brick type, mortar, void content and actual joint thickness.
Density is the mass of a substance or material, measured in kilograms, contained in one cubic meter. This parameter often depends on many factors, such as temperature. Average values for brick masonry density range from 900 to 2000 kg/m³.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of brick masonry weigh?
As a rough guide, 1 m³ of brick masonry weighs about 900-2000 kg. The exact value depends on brick type, hollowness, mortar and joint thickness.
Why is masonry weight different from the weight of a single brick?
Masonry includes not only bricks but also mortar, filled joints, voids and the actual bond pattern. Wall mass should therefore be calculated for the whole structure, not only from brick density.
Can the table be used for foundation load calculations?
It is suitable for a preliminary estimate. A project calculation should also consider brick grade, mortar, moisture, reinforcement, wall thickness and design code requirements.