The term frog means.
🐸 Understanding the Brick Frog
A "frog" is the specific technical term for an indentation or depression on the top bed face of a brick. It is intentionally created during the moulding process and serves several key functions in masonry.
- Creates a Mortar Key: The primary purpose is to form a shear key with the mortar, creating a stronger, more robust bond between courses of bricks.
- Reduces Weight: It slightly reduces the weight of the brick, making handling and transport easier.
- Allows for Branding: Manufacturers often use the frog to emboss their trademark or name.
🔬 Detailed Analysis of the Options
B. a depression on a face of brick
This is the correct answer. This option provides the precise definition of a brick frog.
A. an apparatus to lift the stone
This is incorrect. An apparatus for lifting stone is a general term for devices like tongs, clamps, or a lewis pin. It is not a feature of a brick.
C. vertical joint in a brick work
This is incorrect. A vertical joint in brickwork is called a "head joint" or "cross joint". It is the space between bricks in the same course, which is filled with mortar.
D. soaking brick in water
This is incorrect. The process of soaking bricks in water before use is simply called soaking or saturation. Its purpose is to prevent the dry bricks from absorbing water from the mortar too quickly, which would weaken the bond.
📊 Summary: Brick and Masonry Terminology
| Term | Definition | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Frog | A depression on a brick's face. | Brick Feature |
| Head Joint | A vertical mortar joint between bricks. | Masonry Feature |
| Soaking | Submerging bricks in water before use. | Construction Process |
| Lewis Pin | A tool for lifting heavy stones. | Lifting Apparatus |
💡 Study Tips
- Frog = Key: Associate the word "frog" with its main purpose: creating a "key" for the mortar, which locks the bricks together.
- Distinguish Feature from Process: A frog is a permanent physical feature *of* the brick. Soaking is a *process* you perform on the brick. A vertical joint is a feature *of the wall*, not a single brick.
- Visualize It: Picture a standard red brick. The indentation on top where the brand name often sits is the frog.