Assessing brick production
Practical Action
2. SHAPE
(a) Slumping - one stretcher
face is wider with a bulge
running the length of the brick
(all types)
(i) Too soft when moulded
(ii) Handling too rough
(i) Use a drier mix
(2) Take more care
(b) Rounded corners (sand Not enough clay pressed into Make sure mould box is filled,
moulded)
mould box, or rough handling or handle wet bricks more
gently
(c) Raised corners (slop Corners stick to mould when Use sand in mould or make
moulded)
brick is released
sure mould is wet enough
(d) Stacking marks (all types)
Bricks moved too soon from
drying singly on edge to
stacking
Make sure bricks are dry
enough before stacking
(e) 'Lips' or 'flashing' (usually Mould worn, clay 'seeps' out,
sand or slop moulded)
or moulder not 'striking off'
excess
Replace mould, or take more
care striking off excess flash
(f) 'Banana' shapes (all types) Top drying faster than bottom Gently turn bricks during drying
3