CONCRETE BUILDINGS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 798, 6 April 1871, Page 3

CONCRETE BUILDINGS.

A writer in the " Southern Cross " endeavours to prove the superiority of concrete, as a building material, over stone, briek, and wood. In the course •of bis remarks he says: — Attention has been directed to this composite and exceedingly valuable material, from a building having just been completed in concrete for Dr Campbell at Logan Bank. The principle in the composition of this material is that by mixing gravel and cement the mass, on drying, has all the qualities of solid stone ; while before hardening, it is capable of being moulded into any form. With respect to its-durability ard strength, it is a significant fact that in places where, from the uncertain character of the ground, ordinary stone foundations cannot be laid, the basis is formed in concrete; which, when hardened, affords to the superincumbent structure the advantages of resting, as ■on on 9 solid i3tone, extending under •the whole length and breadth of the building. It is needless to say that, 'through'a wall of such material, being ias it were a single stone, moisture canindt ipertneate ; while tor lightness "in 'form, -and capability of being 'moulded into the expression of taste, and for resistance to the hand of time, the concrete wall has a vast advantage over brick.

But, with all these singular advantages, the question of costs remains; and we have much pleasure in saying that, through the courtesy of the .proprietor *of the local building just erected, we are enabled to submit a comparative analysis of cost, as between brick and concrete. For concrete walls, -13 rod 240 ft., the following were 'the materials and 'cost: —

—showingadifference in favor of concrete of £sl 16s, or a total saving on the building of £133 12s, from -using concrete instead of bricks in the erection of the walls. Such a remarkable result requires no comment. And 'after the marked success that has thus attended the introduction of concrete building to the attention of the people uf Auckland, we shall be surprised •if, in our circumstances and climate, the new material does not rapidly •enjoy an exceedingly great popularity.

90 yards gravel, at 15s ... 60 loads scoria stone, at 3s 5d . 60 barrels cement, at 20s Labor on the above .;. 3- a. .. 67 10 .. 10 5 ... 60 O ... 42 0 u. 0 0 0 0 £179 15 0 For the-same'extent of brick-work, at £19, the cost would be £261 lis, giving a difference in favor of concrete of £81 16s. For cementing and plastering on concrete'walls:: — 425 yards external cementing, 1 Is « - ... X s. It ,.. 21 5 a. 0 Do straightening ... 868 yards internal plastering, at9d ... ■ Do straightening, at 6d 4 10 I 23 0 0 0 For cementing same extent • brick walls, at 3s ... Internal plastering, at 2a £48 : 15 of .. 63 15 .. 36 16 0 0 0 £100 11 0