Clay materials for buildings. Base materials and production processes

Terracotta materials have been used in building for thousands of years, in countries all over the world. They have adapted to the evolution of construction and its imperatives. The characteristics of terracotta products enable them to be used effectively in all areas of construction. These include exposed and concealed bricks, roof tiles, floor tiles, chimney blocks, cladding, rustic tiles and more.

These materials are made from common clays. After thorough preparation of the mixture, the "clay" is shaped, dried and finally fired. Products often turn red on firing (except for calcareous clays, whose firing color varies from pink to yellow and white).

This dossier describes the various stages in the manufacturing process, from extraction in the quarry, through clay preparation, shaping, drying and firing, to storage of the finished products on the yard.

In the associated article provides information on the properties of terracotta and describes the various terracotta products available on the French market. , . The use of these products in structures is the subject of other parallel articles.