Quantity estimation for brickwork: For 1 cubic metre (1 m³) of standard brick masonry with typical mortar joints, approximately how many standard burnt clay bricks are required on site?

Introduction / Context:
Estimating brick quantity per cubic metre is a staple skill in construction planning and billing. The figure depends on standard brick size and mortar joint thickness adopted in regional practice. This item checks recall of the widely used thumb rule for site estimation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard modular brick size and typical mortar joint (about 10 mm).
• Volume considered is 1 m³ of brickwork (bricks + mortar).
• Wastage is not included; it is a nominal theoretical count.

Concept / Approach:
In many syllabi, the commonly accepted approximate count is 500 bricks per cubic metre for standard bricks with 10 mm joints. This accounts for the combined volume of bricks and mortar within 1 m³ of masonry. Exact values may vary slightly with brick size standards, but 500 is the canonical exam value.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Quick volumetric checks using nominal dimensions confirm that the count clusters around 500 for standard sizes, validating the rule-of-thumb used in estimation texts and MCQs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 400/425/450: too low for the standard brick and joint assumptions.
• 550: slightly high; typical teaching figure is 500.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using the raw brick size without including mortar allowance, leading to underestimation.
• Mixing up nominal, actual, and modular brick sizes.

Final Answer:
500