Introduction to Brick-laying Technology
Overview of the traditional brick-laying process
Traditional brick laying has you laying out some mortar along the entire course where the wall will be erected. Then the corner brick is laid, and each subsequent brick is properly embedded in the mortar.
To know exactly how many bricks you need, you can lay out a course of bricks, leaving a 10 mm gap between them for the mortar. Bricks with a 10 mm frog are laid frog up, and those with a 20 mm frog are laid frog down.
Each additional course gets a layer of mortar first before laying the first brick of the next course.
Importance of technological advancements in the field
One of the biggest contributions technology brings to the brick-laying industry is 3-D help. Computers and software programs create an interactive 3-D image. Then the contractors can use their cell phones or tablets to get further instructions or feedback in real-time.
Then this technology can replace the expensive blueprint process while computing all measurements and working steps. This allows the traditional brick-laying company to build structures that would be impossible with traditional brick-laying methods.
Also, technology has created a brick-laying robot that helps eliminate many of the risks most human bricklayers face while building a brick wall faster.
Sustainable Brick-laying Solutions
Eco-friendly technologies and practices in brick-laying
There is a carbon-less process developed at the University of Leeds. The process involves using vegetable oil binders as well as waste aggregate to construct these carbon-less bricks.
This process is supposed to be able to reduce landfill waste as well as reduce the amount of CO2 that enters the air. Another technological advancement is using plastic and stubble mixed in with sand and cement.
These bricks help the environment as well as being more energy efficient than regular cement and sand bricks. Unfortunately, this latter method does not produce stronger or as strong bricks.
Sustainable Materials and energy-efficient processes in the UK
There are companies working on achieving this objective. One company invented the K-Briq, which is made from waste construction material and no cement.
The production of this sustainable brick is energy efficient as it does not need to be fired in a kiln for 10 to 40 hours. This helps reduce the carbon released into the air by up to 90% as well as reducing the energy needed to make these bricks by the same percentage.
On top of that, the amount of waste material used in this construction reduces the amount of waste sent to the landfill.
Training and Adoption of New Technologies
Challenges and opportunities in training bricklayers for new technologies
The biggest challenge is finding those potential brick layers. Currently, there is a shortage of trained workers, and many who attend the different brick-laying courses do not enter the construction field.
There are plenty of opportunities for people to become bricklayers due to this shortage. Plus, there is a wide range of classes people can take to become bricklayers. These classes should instruct the students in using the new technologies that are available.
These schools are specialists in construction training, which means students should get the most up-to-date techniques and instruction on using those modern technological advancements.
Encouraging the adoption of advanced tools and systems in the UK
There are a lot of good reasons for upgrading your tools and adopting better brick-laying systems. The first major reason would be they will reduce your overall costs.
Another reason is that these advanced tools and systems can and do make the workplace safer for everyone. That should cut down on work-related injuries and claims.
Finally, a brick-laying company can take on more work as their production and quality of workmanship increases. This builds a better reputation that will be attractive to future clients.
These three reasons should be encouraging enough to explore the implementation of these advanced tools and systems.
Future Trends and Possibilities in Bricklaying
Emerging technologies and trends shaping the future of brick-laying
One of the more recent emerging technologies that is now being used in bricklaying started over 60 years ago. The brick-laying robot was first invented in the 1960s but quickly disappeared from sight.
However, the recently developed SAM100 (Semi-Automated Mason) is almost a carbon copy of that earlier Motor Mason model. It is said to increase production by three to five times.
One trend that is making a big contribution is computer software. These programs help contractors find problems before they happen, as well as find solutions for those problems.
Then cloud-based options help streamline payroll processes saving the company a lot of time and money.
Anticipated developments in the UK construction industry
The first anticipated development would be the economic recovery that is taking place. Construction is supposed to grow by 8% over the next couple of years.
In all areas of the UK, the construction industry is supposed to grow and in some regions require 5000 more workers. A second anticipated development would be the possibility of inflation reduction.
Then finally, the public demand for new buildings is expected to remain high or go higher in the next few years. All of these anticipated developments should give the construction industry a big boost.
Some addition words
Moving with the times is said to be the best way to stay in business. Even in bricklaying and other construction fields, upgrading one's tools, adding new technologies, and keeping up with demand is the best way to survive.
Not all advanced tools and systems are bad. They will help many brick-laying companies pick up the slack due to the shortage of human brick layers. Keeping up with the times also builds a solid reputation that should draw in more work projects.
The key is to pick the best tools, technologies, and systems that will be best for your type of work. When you need the top bricklaying tools and technology, contact us. We are ready to help you enhance your business and help you be more productive. Call today.
