Traditional bricks and mortar

This chapter examines traditional bricks and the mortar used to bed them. Traditional brickmaking techniques are set out, including consideration of raw materials, moulding techniques and firing. The material characteristics of traditional bricks are also set out, as these are influenced by the various stages of manufacturing. The raw materials used for mortar, including different binders and aggregate, are then discussed along with methods of mixing and using that mortar in the context of brickwork. A case study related to pointing techniques is also included. Traditional brickwork is formed primarily of two materials: fired clay bricks and mortar. This chapter examines traditional bricks and the mortar used to bed them. Traditional brickmaking techniques are set out, including consideration of raw materials, moulding techniques and firing. The material characteristics of traditional bricks are also set out, as these are influenced by the various stages of manufacturing. The chapter discusses the raw materials that are used for mortar, including different binders and aggregate, along with methods of mixing and using that mortar in the context of brickwork. It presents a case study related to pointing techniques. The case study presents the methodology used in a survey to assess the survival of a historic pointing technique known as "wigging" in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Wigging is a distinctive Irish pointing technique that emulates the visual aesthetic of English tuck pointing.