Alternative methods for utilizing local materials in construction

GROUP members:
Carlos Magno (s3528982) Daniel Bland (s3533978)
Joao Victor (s3530521)
Lorena Urzedo (s3528811)
Mateus Castro (s3529048) Michael Lam (s3499882)

Evalutions
Timber
 Involves the use of termite remedies and

hardwoods to improve the quality of the wood
 Medium durability

Straw bales
 Environmentally safe materials

 Save up seventy-five percent cost on heating

and cooling
 May have high probability to cause straw bales damaged in moist areas

Evalutions
Adobe bricks
 Consists of types of mud bricks with addition

of organic materials
 Low-cost material with high durability
 Meet the demand of maintaining stable structural in Zambia

Concrete mixtures
 Adding silica fume and polypropylene shore

fibers
 Improves the durability of shelters and reduces maintenance required
 Getting a lower opportunity to shrink or crack
 High cost of construction.

Design
Adobe Bricks

Demonstration of the process to create the brick.
Source: http://www.adobebuilding.com/Natural%20Building/Natural%20Building/cob.html

Wooden Form Sample.

Source: .

Adobe Bricks dried and ready for use
Common dimensions of each type of brick.
Source: http://www.solidearth.co.nz/earth-building-products-adobe.php

Source: http://www.rootsimple.com/2011/11/mud-for-the-people-building-an-adobe-garden-wall/

Design – Simple, Inexpensive and Comfortable
 50 square meters

 2 Bedrooms
 1 Bathroom
 1 Living room with Kitchen
 In total 2300 bricks

Validation Plan
 Culture changes – workshop
 Low impact on environment
 Thermal mass

 Preventing shrinking
 Flexible material – cutting bricks
 Low cost - self build
 Fireproof

Implementation Plan
Stage
Workshop

Construction of
Adobe Bricks

Construction of a house made by
Adobe Bricks

Steps
Theory
Practice
Obtain enough materials
Mix the materials and put into shapes
First drying
Second drying with changes in bricks positions Drying in piles
Excavation and
Foundation
Metal Roof
Construction of walls
Finishes and details
Schedule Summary.

Duration
1
1
2

Total

2 days 4
3

22 days 37 days

3
10
2
1
8
2

13
day