Material and structural behaviour of soil constructed walls
01 Jan 1983-Vol. 26, Iss: 3, pp 175-188
About: The article was published on 1983-01-01 and is currently open access. It has received 16 citations till now.
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Dissertation•
01 Jan 2001
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the interplay between three main factors: constituent materials used (cement, soil, water); quality of block processing methods employed; and the effects of natural exposure conditions (physical, chemical, biological).
Abstract: Adequate shelter is a basic human need, yet about 80% of the urban population in developing countries still live in spontaneous settlements as they cannot afford the high cost of building materials. The compressed and stabilised block (CSB) has been identified as a low-cost material with the potential to redress the problem and reverse the shelter backlog. While its other properties are well understood, the durability of the material remains enigmatic. The principal objective of this research was therefore to investigate the durability of CSBs, especially as used in the humid tropics.
The thesis examines the interplay between three main factors: constituent materials used (cement, soil, water); quality of block processing methods employed; and the effects of natural exposure conditions (physical, chemical, biological). Through a multi-pronged methodology involving literature reviews, laboratory experiments, petrographic analysis and an exposure condition survey, block properties and behaviour are rigorously investigated. The findings are presented under the two main division of the thesis: Part A and Part B.
Part A introduces a review of the literature on the main theoretical concepts of durability and cement-soil stabilisation. It discusses various deterioration modes, and examines in more detail mechanisms of stabilisation using Ordinary Portland cement. Part A also identifies and highlights critical stages of the CSB production cycle, and recommends a strict adherence to proper testing and processing procedures.
Part B presents the results of direct investigation methods used. Findings from the fieldwork confirmed that premature deterioration was widespread in exposed unrendered blocks, with defects exhibited mainly as surface erosion and cracking. Quality checks on site materials and practice established an urgent need for improvement through the provision of appropriate standards and codes. Laboratory experiments which compared the properties of traditional blocks (TDB) and blocks improved by the inclusion of micro silica (IPD), established that the latter significantly out-performed the former. A new quick predictive surface test, the slake durability test, which is more reliable and repeatable than existing tests, is proposed.
The thesis concludes that it is possible to significantly raise the strength, improve the dimensional stability and wear resistance of CSBs to the extent that they can be safely used in unrendered walls in the humid tropics. This improvement is achieved via better intergranular bonding, reduction in voids and lowered absorption. Using the slake durability test, it is now tenable to freely discriminate, classify, and compare not only blocks but other like materials of any category and storage history as well. New quantitative durability gradings are recommended for future incorporation into CSB standards. The findings are likely to contribute to the widespread use of CSBs. The research, however, also raises a number of new questions which are listed for further work.
74 citations
Cites background from "Material and structural behaviour o..."
...Houses constructed of CSBs also uniquely proffer better internal climatic conditions than other modern materials (Fullerton, 1979; Hughes, 1983)....
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Dissertation•
01 Jan 2008
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture through the collation of a dataset at global, regional and site levels, with particular reference to the study area of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Abstract: This thesis investigates approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. Earthen architecture is studied as a class of material, found worldwide, that shares similar properties, maintenance needs and conservation requirements. The similarities associated with earthen architecture make the comparative study of approaches to the material in contexts of use, maintenance, repair, abandonment, conservation, and restoration, valid as a means to reflect upon and assess approaches to conservation. This thesis seeks to understand these approaches to earthen architecture through the collation of a dataset at global, regional and site levels. The dataset documents the approaches, materials and techniques utilised for the conservation of earthen architecture around the world, and with particular reference to the study area - Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The different approaches to conservation and management are critiqued in relation to their practical effectiveness, relationship to conservation theory, values of earthen architecture and sustainability. This thesis uses the identification of the materials and techniques used for the conservation and management of earthen architecture as a means to understand, articulate and explore attitudes and approaches to the building material, within the context of wider conservation and heritage theory. By doing so this thesis seeks to understand the notion of 'difference' in approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. The transferable framework for earthen architecture identified by this thesis is significant as it suggests a more sustainable approach to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. This aspirational framework is concerned with both the practical issues of 'what we do', and the understanding of 'why we do it' within the context of conservation and heritage theory. The thesis is submitted in two volumes, with the second volume containing appendices of supporting data referred to in the main text.
24 citations
01 Jan 2007
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the conservation and maintenance of earthen buildings is crucial, especially when dealing with heritage sites, and this normally involves considerable effort in preliminary studies, which must...
Abstract: The conservation and maintenance of earthen buildings is crucial, especially when dealing with heritage sites. This normally involves considerable effort in preliminary studies, which must...
9 citations