Brick and masonry

• Understand the production techniques of bricks and mortars
• Understand the material composition and properties of masonry
• Obtain experience with bricklaying
• Obtain experience with relevant laboratory studies and analyze the results
• Possess knowledge of the structural properties of masonry
• Analyze a masonry based on building physics principles and the properties of masonry
• Understand the challenges and properties of recycled bricks and new bricks with less climate impact
• Evaluate the durability of bricks and masonry
• Assess options for renovation and reuse of masonry structures
• Have an overview of options for constructive protection and surface treatment of masonry structures
• Have an understanding of the aesthetic and functional properties of masonry
• Carry out and analyze a focused technical study of bricks/masonry

The course covers holistically a set of relevant topics about bricks and masonry.
Review and analysis of material composition and properties of fired and unfired clay as well as common mortar types. Teaching of some methods for assessing the building physics conditions and properties of masonry related to the transport and storage of moisture and heat.
Visit to a brickwork factory to be introduced to production techniques. Gaining own experience in bricklaying, and carrying out laboratory exercises on the technical properties of bricks and masonry with associated analysis and assessment.
Teaching some principles of masonry structural conditions and constructional properties. Introduction to conditions on the climatic impact of new bricks. Gaining knowledge about the properties of recycled bricks. Introduction to the functional and aesthetic aspects of masonry.
The holistic approach to the topics is rounded off in the last week with independent group work with theoretical immersion and related laboratory studies within a focused topic.
The course will feature guest lecturers from industry, consultants, and from other research and knowledge institutions.

Lecture, exercises, group work, excursion

The course is offered in such a way that parts of it will be co-taught with external students in a continuing education program. Thus, people from the industry will be met both as fellow students and as instructors.

Minimum: 20, Maximum: 40.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.