<p>Terracotta, an eco-friendly material, is cost-effective, durable, and pleasing to the eye, writes K R Srikanta Prasad <br /><br /></p>.<p>Terracotta is manufactured out of burnt clay and is a versatile, timeless construction material. Composed of natural clay, this material is close to nature. In versatility and durability, it compares with materials such as teak wood and stones.<br /><br />The word terracotta, in Latin, means ‘baked earth’. The finished product can be glazed or unglazed. Its applications are far too many. These products range from earthenware to sculptures, pottery to figurines, bricks to flower pots and roof shingles to surface embellishments.<br /><br />Though terracotta was manufactured in the 12th century, sun-dried terracotta dates back to Mohenjodaro and Mesopotamian civilisations. During the process of production, appropriate refined clay is shaped with the aid of moulds. The firing temperatures are around 1000 degree C during this process. Firing is done using specifically designed, fuel-efficient kilns. The iron content gives the fired body a yellow, orange, red, pink, grey or brown colour. The final product, if uncracked, will ring if lightly struck.<br /><br />Terracotta for your home<br /><br />Terracotta blocks are available in the form of both structural and non-structural hollow blocks. Structural blocks can be used up to three storeys as a load bearing component. <br /><br />Non-structural elements like fillers can be used in framed structures. Floor arches between steel beams can be constructed using skew-back terracotta blocks. The standard thickness for exterior wall blocks is generally 6’’, 8’’ or 12’’. In most buildings, these blocks have lasted for more than 75 years and are likely to last for many more years. Structural terracotta blocks are made out of natural clay, which is extruded through a form. Later this clay is baked in a kiln, in order to create a hard building block. <br /><br />The hollow interior of this block is divided into cells, by a web that gives it strength. The grooves on all four sides help mortar, plaster and stucco adhere to the surface.<br />Terracotta wire-cut bricks can be used for exposed masonry, because it gives a natural and rugged appearance. It is available in regular table moulded brick size and can be either solid or perforated. Further, it can be used as wall cladding, which will not only lend an aesthetic look but also protect the walls from soaring temperatures. <br /><br />Terracotta roofing blocks are also ideal for composite roofs with concrete and are available in varied sizes and designs. It can be utilised to create interesting patterns in the ceiling. It can also help in reducing the weight of the roof, as well as insulate it. Beam and lintel units can be integrated into the design. Further, it can be used as weather proof tiles and fixed on concrete roofs.<br /><br />These apart, it can be used for flooring. Beautiful patterns and designs can be churned out of this material. Since these tiles are weather proof, it lasts relatively longer. In fact, terracotta tiles have been used for flooring, in certain parts of the Mysore palace. <br /><br />Even after centuries have gone by, these tiles have still retained their charm and attractiveness. In addition, it can also be used in jali work, ventilators, pillar elements, decorative units and murals. In India, terracotta material from Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal are popular. Clay and firing techniques used during production determine the quality of this product. <br /><br />Advantages of terracotta <br /><br />*Terracotta is aesthetically appealing and durable.<br />*It is economical, if the option of exposing without plastering and painting is exercised.<br />*With the right choice of the unit, these can be cost-effective.<br />*It is light but strong which, in turn, reduces the dead weight of a building. <br />*It is easy to handle and is user friendly.<br />*The inherent pores in the material help in keeping the surroundings cool.<br />*The labour costs for installation are low.<br />*It is easy to combine with other materials.<br />*It is fire resistant as well as weather proof.<br />*The durability of this product can be increased, if glazed.<br />*It can also be used as a load bearing component.<br />*Terracotta wall blocks are 60 per cent less heavy than solid concrete block wall.<br />*nThe compressive strength is more than 35 kg per sq cm and water absorption is less than 20 per cent.<br />*It helps in faster construction and reduces cost.<br />*It has excellent thermal insulation and is fire resistant.<br /><br />Disadvantages of terracotta <br /><br />*Brittleness of material requires careful handling, especially for edges and corners. nIt is a matter of concern in seismic zones.<br />*Unregulated production will result in unacceptable quality and finishes.<br />*Drilling cannot be accurate.<br />*Cutting process results in wastage and dust.<br />*Unglazed units are less durable.<br /><br />In any building where terracotta elements are generally used, the temperature will generally be two to three degree celsius lower than concrete buildings. This can be a great saver on air-conditioning costs. It is better to go the natural way by walling, roofing, flooring and cladding with terracotta. With the right design inputs from the architect, one can come up with a perfect combination and avoid monotony.<br /><em><br />(The writer is a civil engineer.)<br /></em></p>
<p>Terracotta, an eco-friendly material, is cost-effective, durable, and pleasing to the eye, writes K R Srikanta Prasad <br /><br /></p>.<p>Terracotta is manufactured out of burnt clay and is a versatile, timeless construction material. Composed of natural clay, this material is close to nature. In versatility and durability, it compares with materials such as teak wood and stones.<br /><br />The word terracotta, in Latin, means ‘baked earth’. The finished product can be glazed or unglazed. Its applications are far too many. These products range from earthenware to sculptures, pottery to figurines, bricks to flower pots and roof shingles to surface embellishments.<br /><br />Though terracotta was manufactured in the 12th century, sun-dried terracotta dates back to Mohenjodaro and Mesopotamian civilisations. During the process of production, appropriate refined clay is shaped with the aid of moulds. The firing temperatures are around 1000 degree C during this process. Firing is done using specifically designed, fuel-efficient kilns. The iron content gives the fired body a yellow, orange, red, pink, grey or brown colour. The final product, if uncracked, will ring if lightly struck.<br /><br />Terracotta for your home<br /><br />Terracotta blocks are available in the form of both structural and non-structural hollow blocks. Structural blocks can be used up to three storeys as a load bearing component. <br /><br />Non-structural elements like fillers can be used in framed structures. Floor arches between steel beams can be constructed using skew-back terracotta blocks. The standard thickness for exterior wall blocks is generally 6’’, 8’’ or 12’’. In most buildings, these blocks have lasted for more than 75 years and are likely to last for many more years. Structural terracotta blocks are made out of natural clay, which is extruded through a form. Later this clay is baked in a kiln, in order to create a hard building block. <br /><br />The hollow interior of this block is divided into cells, by a web that gives it strength. The grooves on all four sides help mortar, plaster and stucco adhere to the surface.<br />Terracotta wire-cut bricks can be used for exposed masonry, because it gives a natural and rugged appearance. It is available in regular table moulded brick size and can be either solid or perforated. Further, it can be used as wall cladding, which will not only lend an aesthetic look but also protect the walls from soaring temperatures. <br /><br />Terracotta roofing blocks are also ideal for composite roofs with concrete and are available in varied sizes and designs. It can be utilised to create interesting patterns in the ceiling. It can also help in reducing the weight of the roof, as well as insulate it. Beam and lintel units can be integrated into the design. Further, it can be used as weather proof tiles and fixed on concrete roofs.<br /><br />These apart, it can be used for flooring. Beautiful patterns and designs can be churned out of this material. Since these tiles are weather proof, it lasts relatively longer. In fact, terracotta tiles have been used for flooring, in certain parts of the Mysore palace. <br /><br />Even after centuries have gone by, these tiles have still retained their charm and attractiveness. In addition, it can also be used in jali work, ventilators, pillar elements, decorative units and murals. In India, terracotta material from Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal are popular. Clay and firing techniques used during production determine the quality of this product. <br /><br />Advantages of terracotta <br /><br />*Terracotta is aesthetically appealing and durable.<br />*It is economical, if the option of exposing without plastering and painting is exercised.<br />*With the right choice of the unit, these can be cost-effective.<br />*It is light but strong which, in turn, reduces the dead weight of a building. <br />*It is easy to handle and is user friendly.<br />*The inherent pores in the material help in keeping the surroundings cool.<br />*The labour costs for installation are low.<br />*It is easy to combine with other materials.<br />*It is fire resistant as well as weather proof.<br />*The durability of this product can be increased, if glazed.<br />*It can also be used as a load bearing component.<br />*Terracotta wall blocks are 60 per cent less heavy than solid concrete block wall.<br />*nThe compressive strength is more than 35 kg per sq cm and water absorption is less than 20 per cent.<br />*It helps in faster construction and reduces cost.<br />*It has excellent thermal insulation and is fire resistant.<br /><br />Disadvantages of terracotta <br /><br />*Brittleness of material requires careful handling, especially for edges and corners. nIt is a matter of concern in seismic zones.<br />*Unregulated production will result in unacceptable quality and finishes.<br />*Drilling cannot be accurate.<br />*Cutting process results in wastage and dust.<br />*Unglazed units are less durable.<br /><br />In any building where terracotta elements are generally used, the temperature will generally be two to three degree celsius lower than concrete buildings. This can be a great saver on air-conditioning costs. It is better to go the natural way by walling, roofing, flooring and cladding with terracotta. With the right design inputs from the architect, one can come up with a perfect combination and avoid monotony.<br /><em><br />(The writer is a civil engineer.)<br /></em></p>
