Clinker in construction
Broadly, clinker refers to a stony residue resulting from burning coal or from a furnace. It is a common component of aggregates, Portland cement, brickwork, blockwork, paving and so on.
Archaeological Evidence for Glassworking, Guidelines for Recovering, Analysing and Interpreting Evidence, published by Historic England in 2018, describes clinker as: ‘A fused material produced at high temperatures, here used to describe the waste from coal-fired glass furnaces.’
Low Carbon Concrete Routemap, Setting the agenda for a path to net zero, draft for consultation published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2021, defines clinker as: ‘A nodular material made by heating limestone and clay at a temperature of about 1,400C-1,500C. It is the basic ingredient of Portland cement, the one that confers hydraulic properties to cement.’
UK Concrete and Cement Industry, Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero, published by MPA UK Concrete in 2020, defines clinker as: ‘the principle constituent of cement, clinker is produced by heating raw materials such as limestone with other materials such as clay to 1450°C. Its manufacture is typically the most energy and emissions intensive part of cement and concrete production.’
The term ‘clinker built’ refers to a method of boat building in which the planks that make up the hull overlap. This is also referred to as lapstrake.
Its originates from the word 'clink' or 'clench', ie clenching together, or fusing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.