Book reviews

GATE: Product Information Folders Aus der Arbeit von GATE, Eschborn, 19911. Soil Preparation Equipment 2. Clay Brick and Tile Moulding Equipment 3. Concrete Block Producing Equipment4. Fibre Concrete (ITCR) / Micro Concrete (MCR) Roofing Equipment

In 1988, GATE published the first Product Information Folder entitled "Soil Block Presses". The cover of this information pack not only holds a series of product information leaflets with descriptions and technical data on machines for compressing earth blocks, but also serves as a basic introduction to the technology of compressed earth blocks, the types of equipment available on the market, criteria for selection and purchase of such equipment and a select bibliography for further reading.

The aim was to assist building practitioners and decision makers in the field of low-cost construction in developing countries in finding appropriate solutions to their building problems. The aim was not to deal with the technology in depth, as sufficient literature is available elsewhere, but to give practical information for the user to understand the advantages and limitations of the alternative technical systems and equipment available in different regions.

The Product Information Folder on Soil Block Presses proved to be a useful tool for the BASIN technical enquiry service in providing information on the subject. On account of the positive response and the need for similar information material on other subject areas, GATE decided to entrust Heiko Worner and Kiran Mukerji (GTZ Consultants) with the preparation of four new Product Information Folders, based on the same concept as the first one. In each case, they were assisted by internationally experienced subject specialists, who provided valuable information and reviewed the final drafts. The new publications shall be available in October 1991.

1. Soil Preparation Equipment

Every earth building technique requires a specific type and quality of raw material. Since the excavated soil rarely possesses all the desired characteristics, it is usually necessary to prepare the soil by pulverizing, sieving and/or mixing it before use. The equipment required for these operations are described in this information pack. (Technical advice by CRATerre, Villefontaine/France)

2. Clay Brick and Tile Moulding Equipment

Burnt clay building elements have to be moulded before drying and firing. Traditionally this is done with simple moulding equipment, some of which require considerable physical effort and/or result in non-uniform or weak products. The equipment described in this Product Information not only makes the work easier to carry out, but also substantially increases the output rate and improves the quality of products. (Technical advice: Gerhard Merschmeyer, Misereor, Aachen/Germany)

3. Concrete Block Producing Equipment

Concrete blocks are gaining importance in developing countries and have become a valid alternative to most other common building materials, provided that the ingredients are available locally, are of good quality and economically viable. This information pack gives an overview of machines for concrete block production from various parts of the world. (Technical advice: Otto Ruskulis, ITDG, Rugby/U.K.)

4. Fibre Concrete (FCR) / Micro Concrete (MCR) Roofing Equipment

Since the mid-1980s, fibre concrete and micro concrete roofing elements are being produced and installed in numerous parts of the world, and the demand is rapidly increasing. This Product Information gives a general introduction to this new technology and describes several screeding machines and moulding equipment from various countries. (Technical advice: SKAT, St. Gall/ Switzerland)