The use of earth bricks in Scanian building tradition
The present work is concerned with the manufacturing and use of earth bricks in
built heritage in the south Swedish province of Scania. The first part of the study
provides a thorough description of the traditional use and manufacturing of earth
bricks based on relevant literature, archive material as well as interviews with
informants. This forms a basis for the second part of the study in which practical
experiments on and tests with earth bricks where carried out. This involved the
making of traditional earth bricks of different composition. The new handmade
bricks were compared with industrially produced bricks (extrusion bricks) and old
handmade bricks. The purpose of the comparison was to study how different
manufacturing methods and compositions affect the bricks ability to resist water.
The results of the test clearly indicated that industrially made bricks have a much
lower resistance to water than handmade bricks. Furthermore, bricks with an
addition of straw showed better results than any of the other bricks in the
comparison.
It is argued that the different properties of industrially produced bricks and
handmade bricks must be taken into consideration when built heritage with earth
bricks is to be restored. If possible, traditionally made earth bricks should be
used not only because its water resisting properties are superior but also
because the use of traditional methods and materials contributes to the
preservation of traditional craftmanship, which in itself carries a cultural value.... more