Clinker in construction
Broadly, clinker refers to a stony residue resulting from burning coal or from a furnace. It is a common component of aggregates, Portland cement, brickwork, blockwork, paving and so on.
Archaeological Evidence for Glassworking, Guidelines for Recovering, Analysing and Interpreting Evidence, published by Historic England in 2018, describes clinker as: ‘A fused material produced at high temperatures, here used to describe the waste from coal-fired glass furnaces.’
Low Carbon Concrete Routemap, Setting the agenda for a path to net zero, draft for consultation published by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2021, defines clinker as: ‘A nodular material made by heating limestone and clay at a temperature of about 1,400C-1,500C. It is the basic ingredient of Portland cement, the one that confers hydraulic properties to cement.’
UK Concrete and Cement Industry, Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero, published by MPA UK Concrete in 2020, defines clinker as: ‘the principle constituent of cement, clinker is produced by heating raw materials such as limestone with other materials such as clay to 1450°C. Its manufacture is typically the most energy and emissions intensive part of cement and concrete production.’
The term ‘clinker built’ refers to a method of boat building in which the planks that make up the hull overlap. This is also referred to as lapstrake.
Its originates from the word 'clink' or 'clench', ie clenching together, or fusing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.