Block · 230 × 110 × 76 mm
Clay-Based — indicative fig. M·36
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.13kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive 20MPa StructuralDesign life 100yr Durable
Fired clay masonry unit conforming to AS/NZS 4455.1:2008, standard Australian dimensions 230x110x76mm, suitable for structural and non-structural applications with excellent fire resistance and durability
01 Physical
Density 1850kg/m³
Specific gravity 1.85
Porosity 25%
Water absorption 12%
Hardness 7
UV resistance Excellent
Chemical resistance Good
pH tolerance 3-11
Surface roughness 50µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 2.5MPa
Compressive strength 20MPa
Flexural strength 3.5MPa
Shear strength 3MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.15
Impact resistance Moderate
Creep resistance Excellent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.72W/m·K
Specific heat 920J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 5.5×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible
Fire resistance level 90/90/90
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 240kgCO2e/m³
Carbon footprint 0.24
Embodied energy 3MJ/kg
Water footprint 2.5L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 7
VOC emissions 0
Toxicity rating Non-toxic
LEED contribution 5
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 100+ years
Maintenance interval 10-15 years
Warranty period 50 years
Material cost (range) $500-1000
Material cost (per unit) $0.70
Lead time 1-2 weeks
Lifecycle cost $250-350
Annual maintenance $50-100
Market availability Excellent
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Excellent fire resistance (90-240 minutes for 110mm wall)
- High thermal mass for temperature regulation
- 100+ year service life with minimal maintenance
- Locally manufactured reducing transport emissions
- Non-combustible material suitable for BAL-FZ zones
- Good acoustic insulation (Rw 45-50)
- Termite and pest resistant
- Recyclable at end of life
- UV stable with no colour fading
- Moisture resistant with proper detailing
Constraints
- High embodied energy from kiln firing (3-5 MJ/brick)
- Labour-intensive installation increasing costs
- Limited insulation value without cavity construction
- Heavy material requiring substantial foundations
- Potential for efflorescence in coastal environments
- Mortar joints require periodic repointing
- Difficult to modify once constructed
- Thermal bridging through mortar joints
- Higher initial cost than lightweight alternatives
- Extended construction timeframes
08 Applications
A1 External load-bearing walls
A2 Internal partition walls
A3 Cavity wall construction
A4 Brick veneer cladding
A5 Fire-rated wall assemblies
A6 Acoustic barriers
A7 Retaining walls
A8 Facade applications
A9 Heritage restoration
A10 Bushfire-resistant construction (BAL-FZ rated)
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.