"The purpose of this study is simply to provide the information necessary for the proper interpretation of kiln-fired clay bricks found at archaeological sites. Bricks made of adobe, cement, or sand-lime are not included. Much of the emphasis has been placed on manufacturing techniques and the traces these processes leave behind, because they are a rich source of information that has been ignored by archaeologists. Brand names or trademarks found on some bricks have also been researched. This has led to the surprising conclusion that during the nineteenth century large quantities of firebricks were imported into the Pacific Northwest from England and Scotland. Size, color, and composition of bricks have also been examined. Extensive historical evidence as well as data from several archaeological sites complete the picture of an early and vigorous industry in the Pacific Northwest."--Preface.

Highly illustrated throughout, this is the story of brickmaking in the UK told by an expert in the field.

"The purpose of this study is simply to provide the information necessary for the proper interpretation of kiln-fired clay bricks found at archaeological sites. Bricks made of adobe, cement, or sand-lime are not included. Much of the emphasis has been placed on manufacturing techniques and the traces these processes leave behind, because they are a rich source of information that has been ignored by archaeologists. Brand names or trademarks found on some bricks have also been researched. This has led to the surprising conclusion that during the nineteenth century large quantities of firebricks were imported into the Pacific Northwest from England and Scotland. Size, color, and composition of bricks have also been examined. Extensive historical evidence as well as data from several archaeological sites complete the picture of an early and vigorous industry in the Pacific Northwest."--Preface.

Bricks were introduced to Britain by the Romans and reintroduced by Flemish craftsmen in the middle ages. Until the early nineteenth century they were made in numerous small brickyards supplying local needs, but eventually increasing demand led to the invention of improved brickmaking machines and kilns. This book gives an insight into the surprising variety of bricks, as well as a brief history of brickmaking, descriptions of hand and machine moulding, drying, the use of kilns and firing. Despite competition from newer materials, brick still holds its own as a facing material and traditional methods still survive in the smaller yards.

The Science of Brickmaking is an excellent manual for the everyday reader to understand how to make the basic brick for building any wall or house. Contents: Fluviatile Brick-Earths, Lacustrine and Fluviatile Brick-Earths, Marine Brick-Earths, the Mineral Constitution of Brick-Earths, cont.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the valley was the world's largest brickmaking region with 130 yards employing 7-8,000 workers. The history of this once dominate industry is told for the first time.

"Over the recent years, the brick industry of the state has been facing competition from several other building materials. These include cement and cement blocks. In most developing countries, brick makers make only a unique type and color of brick, leaving the user very little choice. As a result, substitute products enter the market which have the same function but are cheaper, more regular and pleasing in look. These substitutes satisfy the consumers more than bricks do. Although in general, the output of bricks is quite elastic, in the sense that increased construction activities are closely followed by an increase in brick production, the brick industry does have certain challenges posed by competition from substitutes. It is evident from the fore going discussion that bricks face stiff competition from alternative building materials. Therefore, in order to remain competitive, the clay brick industry will have to contain cost, increase module size, reduce mortar usage and improve ease of layering in order to retain and increase market share in the building and construction industry. Bricks in general are preferred, even if they are of low quality, because of their inherent and perceived characteristics of strength and moisture resistance. The industry will therefore have to emphasize if positive characteristics and options in order to compete with the alternative building materials which have a similar function. The brick industry, being ancillary to the construction industry, is intimately connected with the growth of the latter. Any attempts for market assessment should therefore focus on estimation of demand, supply and price position in the construction industry. There is little doubt that in the foreseeable future there will be an increasing demand for housing, particularly in cities and urban areas. To provide shelter for all, all construction sectors, including traditional sectors should be involved in providing affordable housing for the urban as well as the rural poor people. If these poorer sections of the population are to be assisted to build durable as well as affordable housing, the focus of attention will have to be placed on the provision of suitable and affordable building materials. Unfortunately it appears that in developing countries, the major thrust in the building materials industry has been placed on the more modern building materials. However, in most countries there is a need for cheap and good quality local building materials such as bricks, wood, bamboo etc. These are the materials most people of these countries can afford. If locally produced materials using local resources are utilized, which are often renewable, the cost will be low and income will be generated at the local level. Therefore, the development of the local building materials industry must receive close attention and utmost care. The objective of the local building materials industries should be not only to make available the materials traditionally used by the low income sections of the community but also to modify production processes and construction techniques to enable construction of houses which are structurally more durable and functionally more adequate. However, this books deals with brick manufacturing and its history details to provide updated information to the readers. Therefore, throughout the book, different authors present very interesting works related to the brick manufacturing in home and abroad. There is no doubt buyers will benefit by getting an excellent piece of this book"--