Thinbrick and Precast

First impressions leave a lasting impression. Precast concrete has the ability to leave a stellar first impression due to the versatility of the product. One such “version” or identity precast concrete can take is the look of brick.

Thin brick is a product that is used during the precast concrete manufacturing process to create the finished look of a fully brick structure at completion. Thin brick is literally a THIN BRICK veneer. It is a product that does not have the same dimensions as a typical brick but instead is the “face” of a brick. During the manufacturing process, a liner is laid down first and filled with the brick pieces. The concrete is then cast on top of the brick. After the panel is raised up, the liner is pulled away. The concrete acts the mortar between the thin brick veneer pieces and creates a strong, beautiful brick-look wall panel.

---

The use of clay product-faced precast concrete offers an economical solution to the traditional all brick structure and offers the same beauty with improved life cycle costs as noted in the PCI Journal report by Sidney Freedman. 

---

Applications

Endicott brick is an industry leader of thin brick products that allow for a variety of options with aesthetically pleasing colors and patterns. Below you will see some of the common application processes for thin brick.

View fullsize

Photo via Endicott

---

How Thin Brick is Created

The process of creating thin brick is just as interesting as how it can be used with precast. Below is a video provided by Metrobrick which shows the whole process of transforming thin brick from raw materials to the final product.

---

Benefits of Thinbrick

There are numerous benefits to thin brick including:

Uses less raw materials

The scaled down size of each thin brick unit, as compared to a traditional brick, results in approximately an 80% reduction in raw material use while achieving the same finished appearance. 

More room for insulation

With the use of thin brick, the wall panel has more available space for increased insulation which translates into a greater R value and better life cycle heating and cooling costs. 

Less consumption of natural gas

The push to conserve energy use makes the use of thin brick a smart idea. An 80% fuel savings is achieved by replacing traditional brick with a thin brick product.

Few trucks on road

Transporting traditional brick to a job site is costly and time consuming. Through the use of thin brick, the process is handled in a quality controlled environment with only a small amount of additional labor required and virtually no change in transport costs when the panel is trucked to the project site for erection. 

---

Photo via Endicott

PCI has created Guide Specifications that pertain specifically to the manufacturing of thin brick products that are supplied to precast concrete producers to ensure all products meet PCI standards.

---

Project Examples

Jackson Precast Dudy Noble Field

Jackson Precast used thin-set brick on Dudy Noble Field Stadium at MS State University during renovations to create a stunning, traditional appearance.

Gate Precast SunTrust Park

On-site masons were not needed and the project schedule was able to be accelerated when Gate Precast incorporated thin brick in the SunTrust Park project.

Gate Precast Camp Shelby Operational Readiness Training Center

The Camp Shelby Training Center is an example of reduced fuel consumption and fewer trucks on the road due to the use of thin brick during the manufacturing process of the precast concrete wall panels.

---

PCI Gulf South Producers/Associates Who Have Experience w/ ThinBrick

Several PCI Gulf South producers are well versed in the use of thin brick for making a statement along the Gulf region and work in conjunction with formliner and thin brick manufacturers to find the correct product to achieve an exceptional end result. You can contact any of the PCI Gulf South members below to learn more about thin brick and how it can be used on your next project.

---

Choosing a product such as thin brick provides project designers and owners with a large variety of options for creating unique and appealing structures. Along with the exceptional appearance, project savings that result from accelerated schedules, reduced laborers, and reduced use of raw material and fuel make thin brick a winner all the way around.