Bricks & Masonry: Materials, Manufacture, and Historical Context

This lecture explores the strength, beauty, and durability of bricks and masonry, discussing their historical significance from the oldest bricks in history to the construction of iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower. It delves into the raw materials, manufacturing processes, and properties of bricks, including capillary absorption, frost resistance, and mechanical properties. Additionally, it covers the types of bricks such as terracotta, sand-lime, and aerated concrete bricks, highlighting their uses and characteristics. The lecture also examines the composition of clay soils, the role of water in clay behavior, and the different types of clay minerals. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects related to bricks and masonry.