Housing Project Programs Make Use of Compressed Earth Block

Society is rapidly building a better relationship with the eco-system when it comes to construction methods and materials. This is the age of recycling, do-it-yourself, and environmental consideration, practiced through manufacturing, processing and discarding applications. Many different programs are in place these days to assist with disaster rebuilding, charitable contributions, and societal volunteer work. Among them are The Peace Corps, and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations help with rebuilding projects, and actively implement more natural building materials in their function.

Compressed Earth Block

Soil-pressing technology became widespread during the 1980s, involving rammed earth and compressed earth block materials. A compressed earth block consists of a mixture of dirt, clay, and an aggregate, and is mechanically pressed to form its shape. The blocks are arranged by hand using a liquid version of the same materials except the aggregate as a replacement for mortar. Rammed earth is similar in that the earth is compressed into a form to become full walls. The formats relate to conventional concrete pouring versus block construction.

Advantages of CEB are high manufacturing levels, since presses can make up to 5000 blocks per day, and low material cost, since suitable soil is naturally abundant. Earthen walls are fire, insect and mold resistant, and there are no toxic fumes with usage. In the US, most compressed earth block building companies are active in the southern states such as Arizona and California.

Construction using compressed earth blocks does not require special skills or schooling. All that is required is community involvement, and a willingness to help. There are web sites online that have contact information for anyone interested in joining these programs.