Compressed Earth Blocks - Revision history

Maltfield: added the compressive strength of CEBs from tests in 2010

2024-05-20T15:18:29Z

added the compressive strength of CEBs from tests in 2010

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 20 May 2024
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	====Strength====		====Strength====

	Strength of CEBs depends on the machine (especially automated versus manual) and the quality of the soil (poorly mixed soil can lead to a weaker brick). According to Wikipedia, "CEB can have a compressive strength as high as 2,000 pounds per square inch. Blocks with compressive strengths of 1,200 to 1,400 p.s.i. are common." ~~We have not yet strength-tested blocks~~ from ''The Liberator''.		Strength of CEBs depends on the machine (especially automated versus manual) and the quality of the soil (poorly mixed soil can lead to a weaker brick). According to Wikipedia, "CEB can have a compressive strength as high as 2,000 pounds per square inch. Blocks with compressive strengths of 1,200 to 1,400 p.s.i. are common." In 201, we determined the CEBs produced from ''The Liberator'' to be 795 psi and over 1,200 psi for CEBs stabilized with reject lime and 10% Portland cement by volume.<ref>https://www.opensourceecology.org/ceb-compressive-strength-test-results/</ref>

	The compressive strength of CEB sounds impressive, but according to Fred Webster, Ph.D. seismic Engineer in his paper [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html "Some Thoughts on'Adobe Codes'], it is neither the only nor the most important variable in determining the ability of CEB's to withstand loads. "In actuality, high compressive strength is and should not be the greatest concern related to pressed block quality. If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads. It is not requisite that earthen blocks be up to the standard of concrete in order to perform well during severe earthquake shaking." Webster suggests that soil quality may be more important than compressive strength in determining the bricks overall durability. "Standards for appropriate soil selection need to be aggressively and rationally developed and tested by the pressed block industry. Currently, the best standards and research are being performed by [http://80.237.211.43/basin/basin/index.asp?A=1 BASIN], a combined appropriate technology effort made up of Germany, England, Switzerland, and France" (Webster).		The compressive strength of CEB sounds impressive, but according to Fred Webster, Ph.D. seismic Engineer in his paper [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html "Some Thoughts on'Adobe Codes'], it is neither the only nor the most important variable in determining the ability of CEB's to withstand loads. "In actuality, high compressive strength is and should not be the greatest concern related to pressed block quality. If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads. It is not requisite that earthen blocks be up to the standard of concrete in order to perform well during severe earthquake shaking." Webster suggests that soil quality may be more important than compressive strength in determining the bricks overall durability. "Standards for appropriate soil selection need to be aggressively and rationally developed and tested by the pressed block industry. Currently, the best standards and research are being performed by [http://80.237.211.43/basin/basin/index.asp?A=1 BASIN], a combined appropriate technology effort made up of Germany, England, Switzerland, and France" (Webster).

ChuckH: /* More Information */

2018-10-14T21:16:27Z

More Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 14 October 2018
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	* Ronald Rael is an Architect, Author and Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of California, Berkeley. He is the founder of [http://www.eartharchitecture.org EarthArchitecture.org], a clearinghouse of information on the subject.		* Ronald Rael is an Architect, Author and Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of California, Berkeley. He is the founder of [http://www.eartharchitecture.org EarthArchitecture.org], a clearinghouse of information on the subject.
	* Compressed Earth Block Guide - [http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=cdl&cl=CL2.3&d=HASH01979938ef89e979ddfb736b.9.2]		* Compressed Earth Block Guide - [http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=cdl&cl=CL2.3&d=HASH01979938ef89e979ddfb736b.9.2]
	* GTZ manuals on CEB technology: [http://~~www~~.~~sheltercentre~~.~~org~~/~~library~~/~~Compressed+Earth+Blocks+Volume+1+Manual+Of+Production~~ Volume I, Manual of Production] and [http://~~sheltercentre~~.org/~~library~~/~~compressed-earth-blocks-volume-2-manuel-design-and-construction~~ Volume II, Manual of Design and Construction]		* GTZ manuals on CEB technology: [http://craterre.org/terre.grenoble.archi.fr/documentation/downloads/CEBVol1.pdf Volume I, Manual of Production] and [http://craterre.org/terre.grenoble.archi.fr/documentation/downloads/CEBVol2.pdf Volume II, Manual of Design and Construction]
	* Other information - [http://www.grisb.org/publications/pub34.htm] , [http://www.earthblockinc.com/faq.htm]		* Other information - [http://www.grisb.org/publications/pub34.htm] , [http://www.earthblockinc.com/faq.htm]
	* [http://propagelleprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/compressed-earth-block-ceb-soil.html propagelle project]		* [http://propagelleprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/compressed-earth-block-ceb-soil.html propagelle project]
			* [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323771402_Compressed_and_Stabilized_Earth_Blocks_in_Louisiana CEB for wet/hurricane climates (Louisiana USA)]

	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category: CEB]]		[[Category: CEB]]

Rasmus: images inserted

2016-05-04T23:34:03Z

images inserted

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 4 May 2016
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[File:Liberator_bricks.JPG\|right\|400px\|thumb\|Bricks pressed on [[The Liberator]]]]'''		[[File:Liberator_bricks.JPG\|right\|400px\|thumb\|Bricks pressed on [[The Liberator]]]]'''

			[[Image:Chrow.jpg\|thumb\|MicroHouse 2 Build with open source tractor, soil pulverizer, and brick press, April 2014.]]

			[[Image:44_cebfab.jpg \|thumb\|OSE's compressed earth block]]

	Compressed Earth Blocks are the main construction material used in the [[GVCS]] [[CEB_Press\|Compressed Earth Block Press (formerly called The Liberator)]].		Compressed Earth Blocks are the main construction material used in the [[GVCS]] [[CEB_Press\|Compressed Earth Block Press (formerly called The Liberator)]].

Rcebrian: /* Materials used in compressed earth blocks */ Change link "Atterberg limits" to Wikipedia (full explanation, unnecesary page in OSE Wiki)

2016-04-22T08:22:22Z

Materials used in compressed earth blocks: Change link "Atterberg limits" to Wikipedia (full explanation, unnecesary page in OSE Wiki)

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:22, 22 April 2016
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	==Materials used in compressed earth blocks==		==Materials used in compressed earth blocks==
	CEBs are made from soil that is 15-40% non-expansive clay, 25-40% silt powder, and 40-70% sharp sand to small gravel content. The more modern machines do not require aggregate (rock) to make a strong soil block for most applications. Soil moisture content ranges from 4-12% by weight. Clay with a plasticity index (PI) of up to 25 or 30 would be acceptable for most applications. The PI of the mixed soil (clay, silt and sand/gravel combined) should not exceed 12 to 15; that is the difference between the Upper and Lower [[Atterberg limits]], as determined by laboratory testing.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block</ref>		CEBs are made from soil that is 15-40% non-expansive clay, 25-40% silt powder, and 40-70% sharp sand to small gravel content. The more modern machines do not require aggregate (rock) to make a strong soil block for most applications. Soil moisture content ranges from 4-12% by weight. Clay with a plasticity index (PI) of up to 25 or 30 would be acceptable for most applications. The PI of the mixed soil (clay, silt and sand/gravel combined) should not exceed 12 to 15; that is the difference between the Upper and Lower [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atterberg_limits Atterberg limits], as determined by laboratory testing.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block</ref>

	Selection and preparation of the soil are important to getting the best results from a CEB press. See the [[CEB_Blocks \|CEB Blocks]] page.		Selection and preparation of the soil are important to getting the best results from a CEB press. See the [[CEB_Blocks \|CEB Blocks]] page.

MarkDilley: add RightTOC to move content up, fix spelling errors, move content away from list markup

2014-12-24T04:49:10Z

add RightTOC to move content up, fix spelling errors, move content away from list markup

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:49, 24 December 2014
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	{{OrigLang}}		{{OrigLang}} {{RightTOC}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[File:Liberator_bricks.JPG\|right\|400px\|thumb\|Bricks pressed on [[The Liberator]]]]'''		[[File:Liberator_bricks.JPG\|right\|400px\|thumb\|Bricks pressed on [[The Liberator]]]]'''
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	(TODO: Add pictures of CEBs built with The Liberator; show different shapes and sizes it can make)		(TODO: Add pictures of CEBs built with The Liberator; show different shapes and sizes it can make)

	[[~~To_Interlock_on_Not_to_Interlock~~]]		[[To Interlock on Not to Interlock]]

	===Alternative Materials===		===Alternative Materials===
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	===Aesthetics===		===Aesthetics===
	*[http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/photogallery.html MEB photo gallery]		* [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/photogallery.html MEB photo gallery]
	*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=6 CebTex]		* [http://cebtex.com/?page_id=6 CebTex]
	*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=7 CebTex2]		* [http://cebtex.com/?page_id=7 CebTex2]
	<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Exterior.html exterior images AECT] Broken Link-->		<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Exterior.html exterior images AECT] Broken Link-->
	<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Interior.html interior images AECT] Broken Link-->		<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Interior.html interior images AECT] Broken Link-->
	*[http://www.adobemachine.com/midland_project_construction_pic.htm Midland Project Construction Pictures by Earthblock Texas Homes]		* [http://www.adobemachine.com/midland_project_construction_pic.htm Midland Project Construction Pictures by Earthblock Texas Homes]

	Stick frame construction is the main building method in North America. It is a weak but fast building method, which makes money for developers but returns little value to the homeowner, if one considers lifecycle cost of buildings. (note the lifecycle use of materials in Greenforms at CMPBS) Procuring lumber drains money out of local economies. This is not to mention clear-cutting and vast lumber monocultures that supply the lumber. We are interested in raising the standard of building, away from stick frame. We believe that with all these considerations, the CEB is the only building technique that even remotely has a chance of substituting for stick frame ~~constuction~~, and that with our machine, priced $3-5k and designed for fabrication replication, will fill in a great need. CEB construction has the potential for mainstreamability in home construction.		Stick frame construction is the main building method in North America. It is a weak but fast building method, which makes money for developers but returns little value to the homeowner, if one considers lifecycle cost of buildings. (note the lifecycle use of materials in Greenforms at CMPBS) Procuring lumber drains money out of local economies. This is not to mention clear-cutting and vast lumber monocultures that supply the lumber. We are interested in raising the standard of building, away from stick frame. We believe that with all these considerations, the CEB is the only building technique that even remotely has a chance of substituting for stick frame construction, and that with our machine, priced $3-5k and designed for fabrication replication, will fill in a great need. CEB construction has the potential for mainstreamability in home construction.

	===Soil Composition===		===Soil Composition===
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	===Local production===		===Local production===
	Compressed earth blocks exemplify the quality "locally-made". The required clay-sand subsoil is locally available nearly everywhere. Even the mortar is made from this mix with additional water. (See: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block Wikipedia]) Humus-rich top-soil can be preserved for agriculture and the resulting hole may become a basement, root-cellar, pond or smoothed out to blend with the landscape. If onsite soil is insufficient (ie. not enough, or unbalanced) near-by off-site soil or ~~ammendments~~ might be an appropriate option. Miles traveled: near Zero.		Compressed earth blocks exemplify the quality "locally-made". The required clay-sand subsoil is locally available nearly everywhere. Even the mortar is made from this mix with additional water. (See: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block Wikipedia]) Humus-rich top-soil can be preserved for agriculture and the resulting hole may become a basement, root-cellar, pond or smoothed out to blend with the landscape. If onsite soil is insufficient (ie. not enough, or unbalanced) near-by off-site soil or amendments might be an appropriate option. Miles traveled: near Zero.

	Compare this to the stick-frame house. According to "Gate-to-Gate Life-Cycle Inventory of Softwood Lumber Production" by Michael R. Milota, Cynthia D. West, and Ian D. Hartley, lumber travels 65 miles on average, just to get to the mill. Numerous unnatural materials are often used (ie vinyl siding and insulation) that have their own set of negative ecological consequences.		Compare this to the stick-frame house. According to "Gate-to-Gate Life-Cycle Inventory of Softwood Lumber Production" by Michael R. Milota, Cynthia D. West, and Ian D. Hartley, lumber travels 65 miles on average, just to get to the mill. Numerous unnatural materials are often used (ie vinyl siding and insulation) that have their own set of negative ecological consequences.
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	Other natural building methods have variably high scores on local, ecological use of materials, provided the materials are locally abundant.		Other natural building methods have variably high scores on local, ecological use of materials, provided the materials are locally abundant.

	A CEB press can also enhance the local economy through a brickworks ~~facitility~~. Bricks can be made competitively at a local scale. In "Compressed Earth Block Volume 1: Manual of Production" by CRA Terre, Vincent Rigassi ([http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 see D.10)], CEB is pronounced as "one of those rare 'modern materials' which has sufficient production flexibility to enable it to be integrated into both formal and informal sectors of activity, from 'cottage' industry to full-scale industrial plants" (pg 5).		A CEB press can also enhance the local economy through a brickworks facility. Bricks can be made competitively at a local scale. In "Compressed Earth Block Volume 1: Manual of Production" by CRA Terre, Vincent Rigassi ([http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 see D.10)], CEB is pronounced as "one of those rare 'modern materials' which has sufficient production flexibility to enable it to be integrated into both formal and informal sectors of activity, from 'cottage' industry to full-scale industrial plants" (pg 5).

	The third opportunity for local production is to manufacture CEB presses. Our open-source CEB machine ''[[CEB Press\|The Liberator]]'' is designed to be built with simple tools and off-the-shelf parts. There is an opportunity for huge profits here as other CEB presses are expensive ($25k for one of 3-5 brick/minute performance). The Liberator's design has minimum welds, using only bolts to secure the frame together. Since no specialized tools or advanced skills are needed, a local machine shop or adventurous entrepreneur can easily manufacture it, contributing to the local economy.		The third opportunity for local production is to manufacture CEB presses. Our open-source CEB machine ''[[CEB Press\|The Liberator]]'' is designed to be built with simple tools and off-the-shelf parts. There is an opportunity for huge profits here as other CEB presses are expensive ($25k for one of 3-5 brick/minute performance). The Liberator's design has minimum welds, using only bolts to secure the frame together. Since no specialized tools or advanced skills are needed, a local machine shop or adventurous entrepreneur can easily manufacture it, contributing to the local economy.
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	* [http://autonopedia.org/buildings_and_shelter/Rammed_Earth.html Rammed Earth Construction] from Autonopedia		* [http://autonopedia.org/buildings_and_shelter/Rammed_Earth.html Rammed Earth Construction] from Autonopedia
	* [http://www.whygreenbuildings.com/ecolodgical/page.php?pageID=131 Rammed/Stabilized Earth] from Green Building Encyclopedia		* [http://www.whygreenbuildings.com/ecolodgical/page.php?pageID=131 Rammed/Stabilized Earth] from Green Building Encyclopedia
	*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/ Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies]		* [http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/ Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies]
	*[http://www.adobemachine.com/ Powell and Sons CEB machines]		* [http://www.adobemachine.com/ Powell and Sons CEB machines]
	*Gernot Minke - one of the world's leaders in earth construction - see [http://www.eartharchitecture.org/index.php?/archives/786-Gernot-Minke.html here] for thorough overview, including detailed soil testing procedures.		* Gernot Minke - one of the world's leaders in earth construction - see [http://www.eartharchitecture.org/index.php?/archives/786-Gernot-Minke.html here] for thorough overview, including detailed soil testing procedures.
	*Galvanized wire reinforced, earthquake resistant earth construction techniques publication - [http://sheltercentre.org/sites/default/files/GalvanisedWireReinforcement.pdf]		* Galvanized wire reinforced, earthquake resistant earth construction techniques publication - [http://sheltercentre.org/sites/default/files/GalvanisedWireReinforcement.pdf]
	*Ronald Rael is an Architect, Author and Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of California, Berkeley. He is the founder of [http://www.eartharchitecture.org EarthArchitecture.org], a clearinghouse of information on the subject.		* Ronald Rael is an Architect, Author and Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of California, Berkeley. He is the founder of [http://www.eartharchitecture.org EarthArchitecture.org], a clearinghouse of information on the subject.
	*Compressed Earth Block Guide - [http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=cdl&cl=CL2.3&d=HASH01979938ef89e979ddfb736b.9.2]		* Compressed Earth Block Guide - [http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=cdl&cl=CL2.3&d=HASH01979938ef89e979ddfb736b.9.2]
	*GTZ manuals on CEB technology: [http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/Compressed+Earth+Blocks+Volume+1+Manual+Of+Production Volume I, Manual of Production] and [http://sheltercentre.org/library/compressed-earth-blocks-volume-2-manuel-design-and-construction Volume II, Manual of Design and Construction]		* GTZ manuals on CEB technology: [http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/Compressed+Earth+Blocks+Volume+1+Manual+Of+Production Volume I, Manual of Production] and [http://sheltercentre.org/library/compressed-earth-blocks-volume-2-manuel-design-and-construction Volume II, Manual of Design and Construction]
	*Other information - [http://www.grisb.org/publications/pub34.htm] , [http://www.earthblockinc.com/faq.htm]		* Other information - [http://www.grisb.org/publications/pub34.htm] , [http://www.earthblockinc.com/faq.htm]
	* [http://propagelleprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/compressed-earth-block-ceb-soil.html propagelle project]		* [http://propagelleprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/compressed-earth-block-ceb-soil.html propagelle project]

Andrew Graham: /* Materials used in compressed earth blocks */

2014-02-22T02:55:32Z

Materials used in compressed earth blocks

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:55, 22 February 2014
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	Stick frame construction is the main building method in North America. It is a weak but fast building method, which makes money for developers but returns little value to the homeowner, if one considers lifecycle cost of buildings. (note the lifecycle use of materials in Greenforms at CMPBS) Procuring lumber drains money out of local economies. This is not to mention clear-cutting and vast lumber monocultures that supply the lumber. We are interested in raising the standard of building, away from stick frame. We believe that with all these considerations, the CEB is the only building technique that even remotely has a chance of substituting for stick frame constuction, and that with our machine, priced $3-5k and designed for fabrication replication, will fill in a great need. CEB construction has the potential for mainstreamability in home construction.		Stick frame construction is the main building method in North America. It is a weak but fast building method, which makes money for developers but returns little value to the homeowner, if one considers lifecycle cost of buildings. (note the lifecycle use of materials in Greenforms at CMPBS) Procuring lumber drains money out of local economies. This is not to mention clear-cutting and vast lumber monocultures that supply the lumber. We are interested in raising the standard of building, away from stick frame. We believe that with all these considerations, the CEB is the only building technique that even remotely has a chance of substituting for stick frame constuction, and that with our machine, priced $3-5k and designed for fabrication replication, will fill in a great need. CEB construction has the potential for mainstreamability in home construction.

			===Soil Composition===
			(Unverified Method, Citation)
			"A simple soil composition test can be done with a clear jar and some water. Fill the jar half way with soil, then add water to the top. Add a few spoon fulls of salt to help with the separation. Shake the jar vigorously, and then set it down and allow the contents to settle for an hour or two. Once the contents have settled, you will see specific layers form. The bottom layer will be your aggregate, then your clay/silt layer, and finally the organic material will be on top. You want about 15-40% clay/silt to 60-85% sand. Little to no organic matter is best." <ref> http://velacreations.com/component/k2/49-ceb.html </ref>

	==Advantages of CEBs==		==Advantages of CEBs==

Andrew Graham: /* Disadvantages of CEBs */

2014-02-22T02:40:17Z

Disadvantages of CEBs

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:40, 22 February 2014
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	==Disadvantages of CEBs==		==Disadvantages of CEBs==
	The CEB does fall short of perfection in a couple respects. The press and other needed equipment (ie. rototiller and tractor) are not made from locally harvested materials. However, almost all building methods require use of some heavy machinery, and to its advantage, the press is designed to be locally manufactured. Also, ''The Liberator'' is not designed to make roofing shingles (although these can be made from compressed earth). So, the ecological qualities of the roof cannot be addressed.		The CEB does fall short of perfection in a couple respects. The press and other needed equipment (ie. rototiller and tractor) are not made from locally harvested materials. However, almost all building methods require use of some heavy machinery, and to its advantage, the press is designed to be locally manufactured. Also, ''The Liberator'' is not designed to make roofing shingles (although these can be made from compressed earth). So, the ecological qualities of the roof cannot be addressed.
			Soil composition may not be appropriate on some sites as well which would mean appropriate soil would need top be transported from elswhere [http://www.adobemachine.com/peb/thebiglie.htm (source)].
			A potential untested method to perform a basic soil test is described here- http://velacreations.com/shelter/building-materials/dirt/49.html

	==More Information==		==More Information==

Andrew Graham: /* Building Costs */

2014-02-22T02:32:39Z

Building Costs

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 22 February 2014
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	Other points to consider:		Other points to consider:
	#Skill level. Stuccoing straw bale buildings ''may'' be better left to a professional. CEB requires little skill and is therefore, a good choice for the owner-builder. Normal masonary work requires skilled professionals to apply a thick (1/4-1/2") layer of mortar between layers of bricks, but "because earth blocks do not require thick mortar joints, walls can be built quickly by workers unskilled in masonry" [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/BuildingInfo.html (MEB)]. [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/AboutUs.html MEB] explains, "One does not have to be an experienced mason to build with CEBs. Homeowners, contractors, and builders can quickly be taught how to stack a wall and begin construction immediately. Because only a thin mortar/slurry joint is used between blocks, walls go up quickly and there is no need to wait for the mortar to set up after a few rows like with typical brick masonry."		#Skill level. Stuccoing straw bale buildings ''may'' be better left to a professional. CEB requires little skill and is therefore, a good choice for the owner-builder. Normal masonary work requires skilled professionals to apply a thick (1/4-1/2") layer of mortar between layers of bricks, but "because earth blocks do not require thick mortar joints, walls can be built quickly by workers unskilled in masonry" [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/BuildingInfo.html (MEB)]. [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/AboutUs.html MEB] explains, "One does not have to be an experienced mason to build with CEBs. Homeowners, contractors, and builders can quickly be taught how to stack a wall and begin construction immediately. Because only a thin mortar/slurry joint is used between blocks, walls go up quickly and there is no need to wait for the mortar to set up after a few rows like with typical brick masonry."
	#Can other parts of the building be made more economically? CEB can be made into roofing shingles with a roof-tile mold [http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 D.10]. Conventional roofs are easily held by CEB: "If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads" [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html (Webster)]. Thus, it seems safe to assume that a CEB wall, appropriately constructed, could hold up the weight of a living roof. Although again, with current technologies, it is more expensive up-front, with long-term savings in maintenance and heating.		#Can other parts of the building be made more economically? CEB can be made into roofing shingles with a roof-tile mold [Link?] <!-- [http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 D.10] link broken -->. Conventional roofs are easily held by CEB: "If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads" [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html (Webster)]. Thus, it seems safe to assume that a CEB wall, appropriately constructed, could hold up the weight of a living roof. Although again, with current technologies, it is more expensive up-front, with long-term savings in maintenance and heating.
	#Because CEB is an on-site material and because all parts of the process can be done by hand or machine, it lends itself to great variability of final product prices. [http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/ceb.html Habitat for Humanity] uses CEB in some of their projects. And [http://80.237.211.43/basin/partner/index.asp?A=1 BASIN] is comprised of organizations which do development work. So, obviously, CEB homes do NOT need to cost as much as conventionally-built ones.		#Because CEB is an on-site material and because all parts of the process can be done by hand or machine, it lends itself to great variability of final product prices. [http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/ceb.html Habitat for Humanity] uses CEB in some of their projects. And [http://80.237.211.43/basin/partner/index.asp?A=1 BASIN] is comprised of organizations which do development work. So, obviously, CEB homes do NOT need to cost as much as conventionally-built ones.

Andrew Graham: /* Local production */

2014-02-22T00:27:22Z

Local production

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:27, 22 February 2014
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	Other natural building methods have variably high scores on local, ecological use of materials, provided the materials are locally abundant.		Other natural building methods have variably high scores on local, ecological use of materials, provided the materials are locally abundant.

	A CEB press ~~also~~ can also enhance the local economy through a brickworks facitility. Bricks can be made competitively at a local scale. In "Compressed Earth Block Volume 1: Manual of Production" by CRA Terre, Vincent Rigassi ([http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 see D.10)], CEB is pronounced as "one of those rare 'modern materials' which has sufficient production flexibility to enable it to be integrated into both formal and informal sectors of activity, from 'cottage' industry to full-scale industrial plants" (pg 5).		A CEB press can also enhance the local economy through a brickworks facitility. Bricks can be made competitively at a local scale. In "Compressed Earth Block Volume 1: Manual of Production" by CRA Terre, Vincent Rigassi ([http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 see D.10)], CEB is pronounced as "one of those rare 'modern materials' which has sufficient production flexibility to enable it to be integrated into both formal and informal sectors of activity, from 'cottage' industry to full-scale industrial plants" (pg 5).

	The third opportunity for local production is to manufacture CEB presses. Our open-source CEB machine ''[[CEB Press\|The Liberator]]'' is designed to be built with simple tools and off-the-shelf parts. There is an opportunity for huge profits here as other CEB presses are expensive ($25k for one of 3-5 brick/minute performance). The Liberator's design has minimum welds, using only bolts to secure the frame together. Since no specialized tools or advanced skills are needed, a local machine shop or adventurous entrepreneur can easily manufacture it, contributing to the local economy.		The third opportunity for local production is to manufacture CEB presses. Our open-source CEB machine ''[[CEB Press\|The Liberator]]'' is designed to be built with simple tools and off-the-shelf parts. There is an opportunity for huge profits here as other CEB presses are expensive ($25k for one of 3-5 brick/minute performance). The Liberator's design has minimum welds, using only bolts to secure the frame together. Since no specialized tools or advanced skills are needed, a local machine shop or adventurous entrepreneur can easily manufacture it, contributing to the local economy.

Andrew Graham: /* Aesthetics */

2014-02-22T00:06:41Z

Aesthetics

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	*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=6 CebTex]		*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=6 CebTex]
	*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=7 CebTex2]		*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=7 CebTex2]
	*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Exterior.html exterior images AECT]		<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Exterior.html exterior images AECT] Broken Link-->
	*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Interior.html interior images AECT]		<!-- *[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Interior.html interior images AECT] Broken Link-->
	*[http://www.adobemachine.com/midland_project_construction_pic.htm Midland Project Construction Pictures by Earthblock Texas Homes]		*[http://www.adobemachine.com/midland_project_construction_pic.htm Midland Project Construction Pictures by Earthblock Texas Homes]