21.07.2013 Views

SCEBs - University of Colorado Boulder

SCEBs - University of Colorado Boulder

SCEBs - University of Colorado Boulder

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Krosnowski, Adam Davis (M.S., Department <strong>of</strong> Civil, Environmental, and Architectural<br />

Engineering)<br />

A Proposed Best Practice Method <strong>of</strong> Defining a Standard <strong>of</strong> Care for Stabilized<br />

Compressed Earthen Block Production.<br />

Thesis directed by Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Bernard Amadei<br />

Abstract<br />

Earthen building has evolved with mankind and creates housing opportunities<br />

world-wide. Building with stabilized compressed earthen blocks (<strong>SCEBs</strong>) is becoming<br />

more popular due to the low cost, relative abundance <strong>of</strong> materials, and quality product<br />

performance. The need for a standardized method <strong>of</strong> soil selection, SCEB production<br />

procedure, and subsequent quality control is apparent. This thesis serves multiple<br />

purposes by: (i) contributing to the growing field <strong>of</strong> alternative building design; (ii)<br />

motivating the need for a standardized framework <strong>of</strong> production methods with associated<br />

quality standards; (iii) proposing a formal testing methodology or matrix for establishing<br />

a successful earthen block project; and (iv) introducing special topics that the author<br />

believes deserve additional attention. The proposed testing matrix is applied to soil<br />

samples provided by two Native American communities (Crow and Ute Mountain Ute<br />

Tribes). Developing a systematic design approach and testing regime validates earthen<br />

building technology as a reliable option for providing low-cost housing.<br />

iii

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!