How Simple Earth Blocks can transform the building construction process to a new level

Pemba, a small Tanzanian island off of Africa‘s Eastern coast, is applying a useful construction material that can make a sea change in construction industry.

This newest construction material is used in constructing the new type of informal accommodation in the island.

In order to improve the durability & stability of the homes of the islanders, Canadian NGO Community Forests International is developing a solution that blends the economy and sustainability of wattle & daub with the strength of masonry: Interlocking Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (ISCEBs). This simple technology can provide great impact on the building construction methods.

The compressed earth blocks are formed by packing a manually operated machine involving clay, sand and some lime for stabilization and produce a quicker as well as highly robust construction as compared to conventional earth construction methods.

Besides, the machine that is utilized to make the compressed earth blocks, includes the option to place in hollow channels in the blocks for generating ventilation bricks to enhance the condition of living inside new buildings.

GTo be successful in their purposes, both in offering compressed earth blocks and all their other projects, Community Forests International is presently conducting an Indiegogo campaign. One can donate here, or follow their blog or facebook page for more information.

Image Courtesy: www.midwestearthbuilders.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Build a concrete slab footing of modern buildings

A concrete slab is a common structural element of modern buildings. Horizontal slabs of steel reinforced concrete, typically between 100 and 500 millimeters thick, are most often used to construct floors and ceilings, while thinner slabs are also used for exterior paving.

In many domestic and industrial buildings a thick concrete slab, supported on foundations or directly on the subsoil, is used to construct the ground floor of a building. In high rise buildings and skyscrapers, thinner, pre-cast concrete slabs are slung between the steel frames to form the floors and ceilings on each level.

On the technical drawings, reinforced concrete slabs are often abbreviated to "r.c.slab" or simply "r.c.".

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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