Masonry Magazine April 2008 Page. 29
Technology betters options, decreases ecological impact
According to the Brick Industry Association (BIA), there currently are 83 brick manufacturers in the United States, operating 204 plants in 39 states. In total, these plants have the capacity to produce about 9.5 billion brick annually.
"There's a lot of new production capacity being built around the country, so I think that brick will continue to be the product of choice," Davis says. "We're in an economic downturn because of the housing situation, but we should have expected this, and it will come back. When it does, there will be a tremendous supply of brick available."
Many of these plants have the latest technologies to deliver a wider variety of brick sizes, new textures and more vibrant colors. Computerized machines can create rolled edges, dents, tumbling and other markings to produce an "aged" look. Technology has also created a much higher dimensional consistency from unit to unit that, down the line, enables masons to more quickly and accurately lay brick at the wall. The brick industry's technological advances have helped to lessen its environmental impact.
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Technology has also played a role in creating more options for masonry projects. Architects have a spectrum of brick types, including thin, hollow, ceramic glazed, large core and mortar-less brick, to create designs specific to regional area, financial budget, seismic codes and load requirements. The industry's technological advances have also helped to lessen its environmental impact. More efficient energy
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