The word Porotherm is a combination of two words actually
They are porosity and thermal
Hence porused thermal combination
It means how to reduce temperature through pores
That is why the brick has been named as porotherm
Porotherm clay bricks are horizontally or vertically perforated clay bricks. they are
manufactured in variety of sizes (common size is 400x200x200 mm) from natural clay, coal
ash, rice husk, and granite slurry. The term porotherm is used for this type of brick due to its
desired thermal insulation characteristics.
The perforation of the clay brick provides an exception walling system which facilitates
thermal insulation resulting in cooler interiors in hot seasons and warm interior conditions
in cold seasons.
The porotherm clay bricks are easy to use, economical, environmentally friendly, and it can
be used for the construction of both non-load bearing walls and load bearing walls. The
porotherm bricks are low weight, durable, strong, and possess a satisfactory fire resistance.
It can be used with dry mortar which eliminate the need for curing time.
Properties of Porotherm Bricks
1. The compressive strength is greater than 3.5MPa
2. High thermal and sound insulation.
3. Low weight: it is lighter than traditional solid concrete block by 60 percent. High fire
resistance
4. Density range from 694 to 783 kg/m3
5. Large in size but light in weight results in low dead load
6. Water absorption is around 15
Fig. 1: Porotherm Clay Bricks
Advantages of Porotherm Bricks
1. Good Strength
The compressive strength of porotherm brick is greater than 3.5MPa. The application of
high temperature during its manufacturing process and the present of terracotta material in
its composition gives the material excellent strength.
2. Thermal Insulation
Porotherm bricks have great thermal insulation which is obtained due to the perforation of
the bricks.
Fig. 2: Porotherm Bricks For Thermal Insulation Purpose
3. High Durability
The high compressive strength, fire resistance, and resistance against carbonation makes
porotherm bricks highly durable and has long life span. Water absorption is around 15% that
is why the risk of dampness, cracks or shrinkage of walls are substantially low.
4. Cost-effective
Not only does the porotherm bricks saves a lot of energy but also cut construction and
operation cost. The usage of this type of brick would eliminate need for using AC in summer
and heaters in winter, hence save energy. It does not require sand and cement for wall
construction, hence it cut construction cost. Finally, it has zero maintenance cost.
5. Environmentally Friendly
The porotherm bricks have recycled content. Due to the fact that chemical materials are not
used in its composition, so it would not cause allergic issues.
6. Speed of Construction
Wall construction speed increases substantially when porotherm bricks are used. This is due
to brick lightweight, ease of handling, and elimination of curing time since sand and cement
is not needed for the construction of porotherm brick walls.
Additionally, it can be cut and chisel easily which makes fixture installation much easier.
Finally, porotherm ensure clean and dry work site that is why it leaves no debris to be
disposed.
Fig. 3: Ease of Construction
Disadvantages of Porotherm Bricks
1. Porotherm clay bricks cannot be used in the construction of huge structures due to
its density which is about 694 to 783 kg/m3.
2. It may could be exposed to salt attacks due to its water absorption which is about
15% and hence the strength of the structure would be decreased.
3. Porotherm bricks cannot be used in the construction of foundation and base-slab
works in areas of high ground water table. This is because such bricks may not able
to withstand the negative pressure of water and capillary action.
Applications of Porotherm Bricks
Load bearing and non-load bearing wall constructions.
Partition wall
Infill panels within framed structures.
Single leaf or monolithic internal and external walls.
Inner leaf of brick-faced cavity walls.
Inner and outer leaves of rendered cavity walls.
Fig. 4: Load Bearing Porotherm Brick Wall
Fig. 5: External Wall Constructed Using Porotherm Bricks
