A common size of brick in use for sewers is 2¼ × 4 × 8¼ inches, but the variations in size are many. The bricks in use on any one job should be as near the same size as possible as the extra mortar filling necessary to make up for small brick detracts from the strength of the sewer. Small brick are undesirable as the cost of laying small and large bricks is the same, but the thickness of the finished sewer is less. Sewer brick should not absorb more than 10 to 20 per cent moisture by volume, in 24 hours; except the special paving brick used to prevent erosion at the invert which should absorb less than 5 per cent moisture.
97. Vitrified Sewer Block.—Blocks and bricks are manufactured in a manner similar to the manufacture of vitrified sewer pipe described in Art. 91. J. M. Egan describes two types of sewer blocks[[62]] as follows:
There are on the market two designs of blocks, one being a single-ring block and the other a double-ring block. The former has a ship-lap joint on the ends and a tongue-and-groove joint on the sides. In the double block the laps and joints are made in the construction of the sewer and the blocks are placed one on top of the other as in a two ring brick sewer. The blocks are hollow longitudinally with web braces. They are made for sewers from 30 inches to 108 inches in diameter and weigh from 40 to 120 pounds. They are 18 inches to 24 inches long, 9 to 15 inches wide, and 5 to 10 inches thick. Short lengths are made for convenience in construction and for use on sharp curves. Special blocks are made for connections and junctions.
A special block is also made for inverts, which has occasionally been used with brick sewers to avoid the difficulty of constructing with brick at this point. Such blocks are objectionable, as they leave a line of weakness along the longitudinal joint so formed. They are not used frequently in present day practice.
Vitrified blocks are generally cheaper than bricks, but they do not make so strong a structure. In some cases it is possible to lay vitrified block without the expense of high-priced bricklayers, thus saving on the cost of the sewer and obtaining a conduit with a smoother interior finish.
98. Cast Iron, Steel, and Wood.—Cast iron, steel, and wood pipe belong more to the field of waterworks than of sewerage, as they are not extensively used in the construction of sewers. There are, however, some special conditions under which these materials may be serviceable.
The iron used in cast-iron pipe for sewers, and in castings for manhole covers, inlet frames, etc., is seldom carefully or definitely specified. The standard specifications of the American Water Works Association with regard to the quality of iron for water pipe are:
All pipe and special castings shall be made of cast iron of good quality and of such character as shall make the metal of the castings strong, tough, and of even grain and soft enough to satisfactorily admit of drilling and cutting. The metal shall be made without the admixture of cinder iron or other inferior metal, and shall be remelted in a cupola or air furnace.
The specifications of the Sanitary District of Chicago for the quality of iron to be used in manhole covers, etc., are given on page [101].
Although sewer pipes are not ordinarily subjected to internal pressure, cast-iron pipe for sewers should be as heavy or heavier than water pipe to resist the corrosive action of the sewage and the external stresses that are to be imposed upon it. The sizes and details of standard cast-iron pipe used for both water works and sewerage can be found in specification of the American and New England Water Works Associations.