| Title | ईंट (Brick)Rare Īnṭ Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | ईंट (Iṣṭika), or brick, is a fundamental ceramic masonry unit used extensively in Indic architecture for millennia. Primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits across the Indian subcontinent [2], its chemical composition includes silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Traditional processing involves shaping, sun-drying (कच्ची ईंट, kachchi iint), and firing in kilns at temperatures between 900-1100°C (पक्की ईंट, pakki iint) [3]. This firing process vitrifies the clay, imparting compressive strength (15-40 MPa) and durability. Bricks were integral to Harappan urban planning and continued through Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods, evident in structures like Sanchi Stupa and Fatehpur Sikri [1]. Density ranges from 1600-2200 kg/m³, with water absorption between 5-20%. Durability is affected by salt attack and weathering. Conservation involves mortar repair using lime-based mortars compatible with the original construction and controlled cleaning methods to prevent damage to the brick surface. Understanding the geological origin and firing techniques is crucial for effective restoration of heritage sites. |
| Also Known As | Brick Īnṭ Brick Building Brick Construction Brick Masonry Brick पक्की ईंट कच्ची ईंट भवन निर्माण ईंट चिनाई ईंट गेरू ईंट इंट செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika) |
| Tags | Brick Masonry Clay Refractory Construction Material Wall Arch Vault Chimney Fireplace Flue |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-813203343-20-11-25-NE |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brick-chimneys |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brick-chimneys |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Masonry Structural Material |
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| Regions | Global |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Early Modern Modern Contemporary |
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| Sources | Clay Quarries Brick Kilns |
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| Properties | Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Compressive Strength: 15-40 MPa Water Absorption: 5-20% Thermal Conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK Fire Resistance |
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| Uses | Wall Construction Vault Construction Arch Construction Pavement Chimney Construction Fireplace Construction Oven Construction Flue Linings Foundation Construction |
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| Materials | Mortar Lime Mortar Cement Mortar Fire Clay Mortar Refractory Materials Insulation Materials |
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| Styles | Vernacular Architecture Industrial Architecture |
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| Categories | Residential Buildings Religious Buildings Industrial Buildings Infrastructure |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Industry Association Technical Notes | Technical Report | Construction details and best practices. |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vedanta Society Old Temple San Francisco | Primary | 100% |