W03 - LEARNING LOOP
MATERIAL ANALYSIS – (Newton, 2014) Brick, stone earth and concrete are all materials commonly used in mass construction. The reason for this is that they work extremely well under large compressive loads. On the contrary they are very weak when it comes to tension. There is a generally sense of durability with these materials which is why they are used commonly in a variety of integral structural elements. Brick is generally made from clay, which is compacted into rectangular shape of 70x230x110 (able to be picked up with one hand). This is then fired in a kiln which hardens it for use. Bricks do absorb a little water which, in the case of the pavilion, is why ‘weep-holes’ are often included when they are being laid. This absorption also means they can be affected by efflorescence similar to what was seen on the concrete in the car park. Stone is generally used in three main forms; ashlar (being cut into slabs or brick like units), rubble (unrefined small pieces
of stone) and monolithic (very large blocks or pieces of stone). Due to the varying processes that can form stone its properties are also quite variable for example sedimentary rocks such as sandstone are quite vulnerable to weathering and damage, but this softness also makes them very easy to carve, on the flip side an igneous rock such as basalt is extremely hard and durable hence why it is used commonly in foundations and to bear large compressive loads.
Concrete blocks are very similar to bricks in terms of properties though their manufacturing means they are different in size. Concrete blocks are generally 190x390x90cm, a two hand width, this means that construction tends to move faster with them, often resulting in specifically increased labour costs. Their biggest difference is that they are usually made with holes in them, this allows for reinforcements and supports to be run through the structure, an improvement in insulation and a reduction in their weight.ARTICULATION
JOINTS – (Tutorial 3) As brick veneer is quite brittle any movement in the foundation, frame or resulting from environmental change can cause the brickwork to crack.