FEATURES
Expansion plans at BrickIT include installing a RE1400 machine from PMSA . Image : PMSA
The brick should comply with SANS 1215 . SANS 1215 Ed . 1.04 ( 2008 ) Concrete Masonry Units . This standard describes precast solid and precast hollow concrete masonry units for use in walling . “ This way the client is assured of the quality brick or block when building ,” says Booysen . When it comes to paving , the same applies . Clients should specify that pavers comply with SANS 1058 for concrete paving blocks as this standard covers paving blocks made from concrete , which are used for the construction of paved surfaces .
When using a SABS-approved product , your chances of having any quality issues will be eliminated , as it is put through an intense testing procedure , tensile splitting as well as abrasion tests to ensure the topping of the paving bricks are durable , agrees Venita Meyer , sales executive of MVA Bricks . “ In low cost housing this would be the preferable option to ensure quality and durability for years to come .”
COMMON MISTAKES MADE
So what are common mistakes people make when building or paving with bricks ( particularly in affordable housing applications ) and what are the dangers and risks of this ?
“ Often low quality locally hand-made blocks are used in rural areas . This can compromise the life of the structure ,” says Booysens . “ Customers should ensure that a mechanical machine is used so that the bricks or pavers are well vibrated and very dense therefore give good strength and longevity to the walls , home and paved areas .”
It is important to find an experienced contractor who can build according to the relevant standards and architectural specifications , advises Shangase . “ Further to this , when choosing your clay face brick you have to insist on a first
grade face brick product to avoid colour matching problems on site .” It is also important that the correct quality of sand , cement and water is used to lay the bricks and paving .
A common mistake is to be ignorant about the exact type of soil that you are working with . “ This is of extreme importance , as the bricks will only be as strong as its groundwork support ,” says Meyer . “ To save costs in the long run it is advisable to use a reputable paving company that has knowledge of the type of soil and will lay the paving in such a way that it will last as long as possible .”
IS BRICK AFFORDABLE ?
How affordable is brick as a building material when compared to other material options ? Brick is really one of the cheapest materials available , explains Booysens . A brick is normally sold for about R1 or less , depending on the project size . “ Another option is a maxi-brick , which is a 140mm wide brick and can reduce the building time and costs ,” Booysens advises .
A total of 612 000 Corobrik Moroccan Red Travertine face bricks have been used in the construction of the Royal School Alberton in Albertsdal . Image : Corobrik
See page 22 for more .
20
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2016
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING