Author
HARRIE J. VEKEMANS* and MARCEL P. RUBEN**
* Metselwerk Adviesbureau Vekemans, The Netherlands **Ankerplast NV, Belgium

Abstract
Prefabrication is a hot topic in the building industry which has initiated an exploration of all possible ways to create all kinds of larger components. For the last twelve years, several brick producers and glue manufacturers have been involved in the development of a new technique for the construction of masonry facades. This new technique is well developed and the next step is the prefabrication of storey-high wall panels, consisting of bricks and glue only. The first experiments with this method of prefabricating wall panels gave very interesting results. Some smaller elements were constructed, transported and assembled. The biggest element that has been produced so far was 7.0m long, 2.65m high and only 100mm thick. This paper provides an insight into the conditions that are necessary for the production of prefabricated brick facades and at the same time gives the latest information regarding the state-of-the-art in The Netherlands.