Edenhall Technical Brochure online_Dec 2018

edenhall.co.uk
7.2 Efflorescence & Colour Integrity
The majority of Edenhall bricks are manufactured using crushed aggregates and stable synthetic pigments, all
of which are predominantly insoluble, therefore the amount of soluble salts is minimal. There is no requirement
within the British Standard to declare soluble salt content and therefore the bricks can be classed as having nilminimum
efflorescence.
Note: Further information on Efflorescence and Colour Stability is detailed in Brick Technical Bulletin
BTB 7.
7.3 Sulphate Resistance
Edenhall’s dense bricks, due to their cement content, density and low absorption, are suitable for use in up to
Class 2 ground sulphate levels. Higher sulphate conditions than this may necessitate a modification to the mix
design. Engineering Quality bricks are made specifically for these locations and are suitable for Class 3 levels as
well as use in sewerage conditions. (Ref. BTB 11).
7.4 Water Absorption and Weathering Resistance
The standard for concrete masonry indicates a moisture absorption by capillary test and results for individual
brick types are given in Section 6.4. This test has superseded the more traditional 24 hour water absorption
test, the results of which are also shown in the individual Brick Technical Data Sheets.
The water absorption test approach is different for concrete bricks compared with that of clay bricks for example,
but the requirements are there for different reasons. For clay bricks the test is primarily related to mortar adhesion
and frost resistance, the former being important in case of excessive suction of the water from the mortar before
it has had chance to cure, and the latter to ensure that the correct choice of brick is used in exposed conditions.
A high absorption clay brick may be more susceptible to frost attack.
With concrete bricks a low/medium absorption is important to inhibit the absorption of surface dirt whilst at the
same time giving sufficient suction to allow the mortar bond to develop properly. Edenhall bricks are unique in
that although some may contain an element of internal additives, others have a material applied to the face which
contributes to maintaining the continuous appearance of the bricks. In addition the continuous ageing means the
absorption reduces over the years whilst the bricks continue to develop in strength.
7.5 Resistance to Rain Penetration
Edenhall bricks have been independently tested in built wall conditions which showed that properly constructed
walls adequately resist rain penetration. It should be noted that no bricks of any type will resist rain penetration in
single leaf walls in prevailing conditions.
Further information on Resistance to Rain Penetration is detailed in Brick Technical Bulletin BTB 9.
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