Learning new things

We inform you about a research project in which multi-curved brick shells are constructed from flat prefabricated elements. With the help of a computer model, the brick shells are designed as modules, the relevant calculations performed and then the shells are tested in field trials. With this modern method, an old, but sophisticated technique can be revived and enrich architecture in future.

Another example of the use of modern technologies in the brick and tile industry is digital printing, one of the hottest topics around just now. As well as giving a basic introduction to this technology, Claudia Istel presents the first findings of field trials in a facing brick plant. Michael Moix has devoted himself to another key issue in our time, reducing CO₂ with the use of non-fossil fuels. He explains under what conditions it can be expedient to use biomass as a fuel. Both authors will present their findings to an interested public at this year’s Würzburg Brick and Tile Training Course. From 3 to 5 December, professionals in the industry will again have the opportunity to find out about new research findings, ask critical questions and discuss different aspects with industry colleagues. In our short reports, we present the individual talks to give you an idea of their various subjects in advance.

(Further) training is not only important for industry professionals. Our annual student excursion took us to the Röben facing brick plant in Bannberscheid in October. Here students from three universities gained information from the field, from the technical talk and the plant tour. But we shall report about that in the next issue.

First, I look forward to lots of interesting talks with you in Würzburg!

Yours

Anett Fischer