The National Builder Volume 46-47 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 Excerpt: ... erected from the earth and sand. There is a central shaft put in for carrying off the smoke from the slow-burning fuel. Figure 7 is a cross section of the mound. The slow, steady heat generated within the mass, gradually impregnates the blocks. Steadily the wood turns to charcoal, because of lack of air. When the blocks are properly burned, they are removed. However, more modern methods of doing this work are being introduced in the countries mentioned. In the United States, some very.superior designs of cement stone making and finishing machines have been introduced with great success. The indications are that there will be an abundance of work for these machines the coming season, due to the increase in demand for the modern types of hollow blocks. Of course there are kinds of blocks on the market that are not favorable, of the old patent designs, but which are not now made. For instance, I saw some zig-zag and S-shaped and Z-shaped blocks with binding joints and all sorts of additions. These are available for certain service, but as a rule are not in extensive demand. The hollow concrete block as a building material was introduced in practical form only a few years ago, and the chances are that the hollow block era is here to stay. In figure 8 is one of the common forms used. In figure 9 is another style, while in figures 10 and 11 we observe some special patterns. Of course there are numerous technical points to observe in the manufacture of the blocks of whatsoever design. We can mention but few. In one instance, I was shown a lot of blocks which had been removed from the machine while in a too wet state, with the result that the sides stuck, and the suction was such, that the sides and ends of practically every block were marred and the smooth fittin...