ECONOMIC - INDUSTRY, CONSTRUCTION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000600120024-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 20
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 19, 2011
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: December 10, 1956
• Content Type: REPORT

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Ma ar Epitoipar
Hungarian Building
Industry), No 8, 1955,
Budapest, Pages 339-353
plashed with the support of the Ministry of Housing w id Public Construction
and under the auspices of the Association of Architects.
The primary aim of the collection of the above data is to become even
more thozoughly familiar with the needs of the home builder and to adjust
building plans and blueprints according to future needs and possibilities
of the builders and to put these plans at the disposal of the individual
builder; secondly: the mapping out and organization of such factors as real
estate and loans, the procedure for obtaining bu'.lding permits, the supply
and distribution of materials, technical cont:oA, planning, as well as the
role of the authorities and their cooperation, etc.
has been completed in 18 megye and 48 jaras by employees of the planning of-
We are, however, discussing only one phase of the collection of infor-
mation in this article, and that is, information concerning structural
planning.
It was generally possible to establish from the collected data that
home building for private owners has its roots in structural and economic
factors; it stands on the threshold of revolutionary change and because of
the lack of planned preparation and Ulrection it is struggling with the dif-
ficulties of an interim phase of development. The most significant diffi-
culty is created by the lack of wood. For the first time in history the ex-
panded building industries need for wood, for roofing and roofing frame can-
not be covered either by domestic production or by import.
Among those products which could be substitut6d for wood, shaped-iron
would be easy to transport and store and at the same time it would act as
an ideal substitute for wood since building procedures and methods with this
material are the same as with wood; however, it is not available for this
purpose due to presently restricted manufacturing capacity.
The current industrial capacity for mass production of reinforced con-
crete would satisfy the need; however, its comparatively great weight, its
sensitivity to transport and the greater professional skill needed to build
with, would demand a change in the basic concepts (individual construction
projects distant from one another both in time and space, transport by
horsedrawn wagons and simple construction methods) of the industry.
The results of the changes of circumstances today cannot be measured.
It is possible that as a result of the economic development of new struc-
tures the gently sloping roof will replace the traditional shapes. Aside
from this fact the preparation of reinforced concrete roofing and glued,
Ekin [sic] or bituminous pest insulation is considerably lower in both costa
and labor than reinforced concrete ceilings and roof supporting frame to
such an extent that the difference in cost makes possible the construction
of a small storage room equal in value to the roof.
nding on the extent that traditional forms or climatic conditions
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foundations are good for 100 years and on the basis of the testimony of wit-
nesses that the buildings will be flawless -- it is permissible to build
them. This would be the joint task of the ETI-VKGM and the water control
authorities.
(3) The introduction of the "Sandor Type" coal-dust brick baking for the
townships which do not have local materials satisfactory for foundation
building. A clarification as to the responsible authority is necessary,
since coal-dust brick baking got a good start in the forties and proved to
be economical and extremely cheap, but now as the result of the lack of
responsible authority it is about to be forgotten.
(4) Working out of regulations for the preparation of local industrial by-
products such as earth-concrete, Plag-concrete, lime-slag, etc, as well as
preparing maps showing the composition of local soil. Research task (RTI-
VKGM).
(5) The collection and preparation of methods of construction which need no
foundations. For instance in the vicinity of Szekszard it is traditional and
still practicable to build houses without foundations on earth-fills with
steep outer slopes and under comparatively wide eaves.
(6) The introduction of less costly and more economical methods of founda-
tion construction utilizing brick stone and concrete.
(7) Mechanized foundations construction systems, with machines in the hands
of jaras and council construction associations to be formed.
Adobe: Adobe preparation is done exclusively by hand with the use of
the simplest frame. The method requires a great deal of labor and is un-
justifiably high in cost. Average cost 135 forints per 1,000 pieces.
In place of the old, clay-covered white-washed exteriors, the applica-
tion of noble or stone-dust plaster is almost in general use. The correct
method of its correct application, however, is not known; among the few
places where it is applied it will in many cases peel oif in big pieces.
Specification of foundation plans and methods. The wide thtee-section
window, the glassed-in veranda with a large opening are not usable because
of the composition of adobe. The generally used mixed materials such as
brick pillars and adobe walls cause cracks because of different settling
speeds. This problem has not yet been solved technically.
The locally baked "Sandor" type brick is used in one or 2 districts
in diminishing quantities.
The factory-made brick cannot squeeze out the use of adobe in backward
areas because of its greater cost. Compared to the modest amount of fuel
available the necessary heat storage and insulation, the cessation of large
scale brick production appears unfortunate.
In some places line-slag (troska) wall is used (Diosgyoer, Ozd). How-
ever., this is not everywhere !here slag is available. In some places they
build mixed walls simply out of furnace slag blocks.
Preparation of a domestic adobe map, with data pertaining to communities
(Koaseg), giving the quality of the adobe indicating whether it can be used
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immediately or only after thinning; furthermore, which wall construction
system is the most appropriate (adobe, brick, pounded wall, stacked-wall)
and whict is customary.
The data needed for the preparation of the map is to be collected on
the basis of mutually prepared points of view and an established question-
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most convenient for the collection of actual data. Working up of the col-
lected material could be the task of the ETl in the event that separate
adobe-planning and advisory councils do not develop as in East Germany.
The technical preparation of the exceptionally rich and successful
domestic adobe construction industry which is,dtferent from the adobe con-
struction methods of any other people. The task is urgent. Although the
thought sometimes comes forth, unfortunately until now it has not been ac-
complished, although the master artisans among the people are disappearing.
A solution would be to have the architects' association take the wall con-
struction systems of 2 or 3 regions and work these up in an exemplary form
in the course of this year's summer memorials works. On the basis of the
sample the local organs of the VKGM would accomplish the collection of data
and its central office would work hem out.
Simultaneously with domestic adobe construction developments, foreign,
for instance, East German developments based on engineering considerations,
checked by experimentation, literature and local studies shot.ld be examined.
(See the explanation of G. Berkenyi below).
The hiring of equipment on the local (Tuzep) construction material
storage lot which will decrease the need for labor keeping in mind the al-
ready fixed characteristics of the townships appearing on the adobe map (for
instances in an area where gravel is mixod with adobe, regulation mouldings,--
instead of an adobe presstpl~- -,WOuld be used.)
Thus: Multi-section work bench operated by foot. An adobe press of
great capacity, capax [sic]. The wider introduction of the "Sandor type"
brick baking method (see foundations and foundation walls.) Wooden square
mouldings for pounded walls and lime-slag walls.
The development of a mixed adobe and brick wall which needs few bricks,
gives a surface that can be plastered both on the inside and the outside and
and has an even weight-bearing properties with a great heat Storing and in-
sulation capacity While its cost is comparatively low. Regular-size door and
window mouldings for pounded walls and lime-slag walls. Manually- and
machine-operated adobe mixing machines, etc.
The greatest number of aperture closing structures are constructed with
wooden-bean headers, to a lesser extent by home-built reinforced concrete
and in still smaller numbers with,* prefabricated reinforced concrete beams.
The necessary professio 1 skill for inserting steel rods in home-made
reinforced concrete is not a ilable so that many broken and cracked headers
can be found.
The cost relationship between wooden and prefabricated reinforced con-
crete headers is worthy of note. For instance let us take the example of a
50 ca-thick pounded wall and a 160 ca opening width; without the cost of
transportation, the cost for disjoined wood and reinforced concrete is ap-
proximately the same. [see appended figure].
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The use of reed floors has spread widely because of its comparative
cheapness.
Actual construction usually takes place as follows: The artisan gen-
orally emplaces the beams and the undercoating while the top coating is put
on later by the individual builder.
At present, the introduction of reinforced concrete ceiling beams
causes great difficulties, although they are usually available on Tuzop
construction materials storage lots. The reasons for this are economic,
technical and traditional.
According to the above mentioned circumstances the price of reinforced
concrete beams is lower than that of wooden ones. Their transportation with
horse-drawn wagons is much more difficult and expensive.
Five wagon trips are necessary for transporting the roofing beams for
,one average-sized house with wooden roofing. Added to this we also have the
labor requirements for loading and unloading which is not present in the case
of wooden beams. Furthermore, emplacing is the responsibility of the con-
tractor because of the lack of emplac'_ag arrangements. Generally the con-
tractor will try to talk the individual builder out of this partially due to
the more difficult work and partially because of an undeniably present acci-
dent danger inherent in the labor force without adequate training.
In rural areas the available linings are not bought because of their
price and particularly because of the extra cost due to the 60 cm rib dis-
tance. The cost then exceeds that which the builder can bear, particularly
when considering that wooden beam covering can be solved by domestic labor
at a minimum expenditure by the use of waste materials. A significant pro-
portion of the transported beams and linings are already broken or torn on
the Tuzep construction material storage lot, a fact which is not conducive
to arousing confidence.
The great weakness of the reinforced concrete rib is that it cannot be
nailed from underneath so that it is unsuited for attachment to reed floors,
boards or stucco work.
The cornice connection work msntionen in the paragraph on cornices is
unsolved as well as the fastening of the rafters of the roof frame structure
where the attic is constructed without walling up. Thus, the reinforced
concrete beam which is to be sold in rural areas has to be made suitable for
the above demands or in other words overcome its failings.
It would be advisable for the construction material storage lot or for
a suitable advisory enterprise to carry out the transporting and storing for
a fair psice, or to teach the local artisans by means of a course the methods
of transporting, emplacing and building.
From the technical standpoint it is undeniable that the angular :'tray"
roof is the most practical due to the properties of the adobe wall (the sug-
gestion of Laszlo Miskolozv). It would present the following advantages:
Even weight distribution, anchoring without the use of cornices, the possib-
ility of anchoring the rafters by very simple means, a smooth undercovering,
insulation and heat storage guaranteed by fills which can be applied as nec-
essary. The disadvantage of its introduction Is that very property which is
its technical advantage: that by elimination of the local materials -- such
ning, covering and of domestic labor -- it is entirely a product of big
~ustry. As such, it is both more expensive and heavier than the usable
local materials. One may ezpect that the problem of transportation and
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storage can be solved by organization on a national scale and either pay for
itself in full or at least partially and be brought into circulation in this
manner and thus steer the problem of ceiling construction out of its throes
and into a healthy course. Until then the popularization and technological
development of linings which are more timely and require less labor and
which can be domestically prepared are desirable.
Thus on the basis of East German 1`terature on adobe, the adobe lining
reinforced by small rods -- which has the advantage over the filleted ceil-
ing or mud-rod csil.ipgoof a smooth bottom and can additionally be prefab-
ricated and emplaced in a dry state with only thin clay insulation thus
bringing in only a small quantity of water '-- can also easily be reversed.
In the event that a satisfactory work bench or press is utilized, its use
of labor is lower, its weight bearing capacity the same and its need for
wood smaller [than that of "tray" ceilings).
In order to bring it into use aside from detailed instructions on its
preparation, the small artisans will have to be given plans for work benches
and forms which can be built domestically. Furthermore, the introduction of
ar0oden lining presses of greater capacity may be rented at the Tuzep con-
structions material storage lot.
In the event of the lack of reed planks when using the covered beam
system for under covering, the introduction of the manufacture of straw
adobe plank is desirable. This substance should have the following proper-
ties: ability to be prepared domestically; with the exception of not being
a weight bearing substance, it has the same advantages as rod reinforced
lining and as such, it is economical; it has the same, simple manufacturing
advantages and maybe prefabricated domestically.
Adobe, lining, reed planks, straw-adobe planks or reinforced concrete
ribs can be used in different ways depending on how their respective forms
develop.
Lining can be laid on the top ledge, but not on the bottom one of the
"L" shaped beam now being introduced.
Because of its shape and dust catching ledge with a structure which is
vir$ible from below, it can only be used in quite unimportant rooms (closets,
etc`). In order to have a smooth surface both of its positlons.have_~tObbanS-
cured with a thin plank which can be nailed and can be led in next to the
rafters.
A roof which is only smooth on its underside can be well constructed
out of rolled lining elements. With stakes placed on top, the beans can
still be walked on; however, the clay filing securing the upper insulation
of the beau demands very cautious use of the attic.
The "F" and "H" beans can be used as the one above not only with rolled,
but also with adobe lining.
The previous suggestion of the Mezotero [Field Plan"] should certainly
be considered at least for an experimental introduction of the passing value
of the usable element factory "type" beans. Mainly because they are per-
fectly usable and cheapest both from a technical and aesthetic standpoint
and convenient for the reception of all structures made of all local mate-
rials such as thin wooden planks covered with mud, reed, planks, rolled
rods, or lining, brick trays, etc. Its simple form and local production
also amiss it convenient. It was demonstrated that securing a smooth under
surface with reinforced concrete beau was either more difficult or such
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more expensive (b) or tied to one or 2 double lining materials and not safe
from the point of view of insulation and attic covering (c) (d) or it-is too
heavy when filled to the smooth upper surface. It is possible that the in-
troduction of ceilings with visible ribbing can be accomplished with success
among the older builders particularly if a method is found for the creation
of smooth room ceilings (f).
It appears that wa t.n the IaC 4.Jrv VtlJ11LUg`rlww ...r far ?atrcdnced' Tha
main consideration has been the satisfaction of production interests rather
than practical considerations.
It can be seen from the above that the task consists of not only the
planning of a defined weight bearing structure as light as possible. The
ceiling rib is only a part of the entire ceiling construction task and its
development has to proceed with the knowledge of locally changing condeitions
parallel to the solution of problems related to cornices, lining,
anchoring, etc.
The reinforced concrete beam can be expected to force slowly the locally
prepared and cut wooden beam into the background, but it will probably never
force it out entirely. Therefore in order to stop the wastage of valuable
wood the builders should be supplied with simple and easily usable measuring
tables and publications containing directional theories for saving.
Its material was wood in all cases. An overshelming proportion of it
was made of pieces of mixed quality, age, grain, and length.
Currently the reverse of the customary planning method is in existence.
After obtaining wood and chance measurements which happen to be available the
structure is pk& ned with consideration for the material which has been ob-
tained.
These characteristics and the local customs result in exceptionally
varied roof ,shapes.
The saddle-shaped roof is dying out. They remain in large numbers al-
most exclusively in comb-like or one-story buildings particularly in towns
and villages distant from industrial centers. Their builders are generally
older persons clinging to tradition.
Part of the objections to the saddle-shaped roof pertains to its form.
The thick peak wall on an adobe wall, or an adobe peak wall is not as pro-
tected against weathRr as the house which has eaves around the entire house.
The objections pertain partly to the question of supply. Planks cannot be
used for peak-walls, long rafters of equal length to the saddle roof ar .
ree
needed, while short boards can be used for the modified tent-shaped r
Greater numbers of houses are built with truncated-modified tent shaped
roofs .
The modified-tent shaped roof is even more general when compared with
the saddle-shaped roof previously discussed.
Frontal houses with square foundation plans are constructed with tent-
shaped roofs.
Corner houses are sometimes constructed with identical and sometimes
with varying wing widths, with roofs shaped according to the rules of
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Wooden and reinforced concrete structures should be interchangeable.
The weight and number of the elements should be comparatively low and the
means of attaching them to each other simple. Such, for instance, is the
sloping wall system with 3 standardized rigidity distances: in the event
that the following types are used: 2.50 m, 3.60 m and 4.10 m: Three types
of hip-corners: for standarized lengths; one type of rafter: 4.50 m long;
altogether 4 elements.
The necessary 60-190 cm, generally one meter addition to the side of
the eaves or ribs can be solved by using waste material found around the
house. Short rafter wood can be nailed either to the bunches of wood
placed between the teams or attached with a scaffolding screw through
holes left for that purpose. Hip corners are held by drawing iron. Rafters
can be emplaced with "Housing plan"-type hitching mechanism. Depending on
the necessity according to the measurements of the available wood the rafter
can then be pushed up or down. The structure can be built of wood with re-
inforced concrete corner hipping and wooden rafters or in a different manner
with reinforced concrete. The hip corners can be lifted with a 3 meter high
trestle or against the forms holding the adobe in the building.
The use of wood is minimum; exact bindings, etc, are not necessary since
the eettling of the structure is not sensitive.
The extreme importance of this question would justify giving the best
statisticians, and planners of the profession the separate planning task and
parallel testing of the value of the plans by carrying out experiments.
So much for a very sketchy discussion of the more important structures.
As it has been seen, the strictly considered building structure tasks are:
the wall, ceiling, and roofing structures. Aside from the above and of per-
haps only secondary importance from the building point of view are the
health and economic conditions of village civilization. Of particular im-
portance are those domestically or semi-domestically producible fittings
which can be worked out in the simple manner of the rural folk and which
will bring them closer to the urban way of life. Such facilities as running
water, bathing opportunities, and interior toilets which can be installed by
domestic labor.
The thought may occur that the c. rant distribution of these is not
very timely. Let us not forget, however, that there is already electricity
in villages and the inhabitants are purchasing radios and motorcycles. San-
itary fittings have not been installed in villages because no one knows
there with what simple implements they can be built. If running water is in-
stalled in one village and only one, a speedy enlightenment will occur.
A subjective opinion for the summarization of the above:
I have nearly 2 decades of professional training and experience. I
have planned housing developments, hospitals, university buildings and
factories. According to what I have established the technical consideration
of rural private house construction differ to such an extent from usual
problems that, if hoping for minimum success, it could only be solved within
the framework of such organizations as the OIICSA [sic] or later FAGI [sic]
except that it would require a wider scope than those mentioned. It could
be responsible for solving all the tasks connected with widely spread activ-
ities in regard to the private house construction project.
Would it perhaps not be best instead of disbanding the FAGI -- which in
the long -= still best understands lneal conditions. builders, and wide-
spread rural construction problems -- to strengthen it with valuable
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professionals? One would then give it -- aside from the private House Con-
struction pro oct -- the additional responsibilities for planning and
building model houses, for individual plan preparation.',and of experimenting
with and controlling new structures. It could further be charged with an
advisory responsibility, management and village planning projects, and
.