Building Research (1957)

Garston, Hertfordshire. Building materials are tested in various ways at a Building Research Station. L/S of lots of chimneys standing beside each other - a rather weird image as they are not on top of houses. “Scientists“ measure the damage made to bricks by weather. Another test is made to compare old fashioned way of carrying bricks with modern way. Man carries bricks on a hod. Bricks are then transported using a trolley. They are then lifted through the air on a wire cage apparatus - saving time and reducing the percentage of breakages. Paint coated steel is exposed to the weather to check for rusting properties. A “rain penetration test“ is undertaken - lots of water is sprayed on a wall to see if it seeps through. Men are seen at work checking results of the tests. Lino is tested by a machine that measures wear and tear - this is measured by a gauge. Concrete beam is given a “fatigue test“ until cracks appear. M/S of two women walking up and down on a catwalk - not modelling fash