Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 07, 2000 09:47pm | #1

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   Sounds interesting. Just what are you doing with the CEB? I mean, what part of the structure, if any, is the CEB? Also, isn't this the same as rammed earth?

   Are you defining, through trial and error, your own material mix? I imagine the intended use of the CEB is consequent to the desired performance characteristics so I am really interested in how you use the material.

   BTW: as I ponder your post I am reminded of an idea we had some years ago. You remember those Playdo fun factories squeezing the playdo through various shaped forms? Imagine something like that but man-sized. With a ten foot long lever and a 12x12" ram, we made some pavers for the garden. Sliced them to thickness with 14TW as they came out the shoot. The local clay with some lime did the job. Dryed them in the sun too. Definiately Flintstonian, we didn't take it beyond that. We soon enough gave up as drinking beer in the hot sun seemed more compatible to our preferences than toiling as Egyptian slaves. Incidently, this is one of the methods they use today to make tiles.

2. 
   Ron_Gray | Jul 08, 2000 08:02pm | #2

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   Rich... it is rather amazing how beer really gets in the way of a good project!
   My purpose for the CEB is for wall units. Unlike rammed earth; there is no need for forms and bracing with whalers running around the entire perimeter of the house. The reason for stabilizing the block is obvious in relation to building codes and safety. The normal compression (unstabilized) is anywhere from 400 to 800 psi. This is simply too low for safety sake. With the introduction of a stabilizer (i.e. cement, fly ash); the compressive strengths will rise between 1200 to 1800 psi.
   If I utilize a batch plant system for mixing -- my machine will run an average of 6,000 block per day. An average 2,500 sq.ft. home utilizes 11,000 to 13,000 block. Just two days, moderately, to produce all material for wall sections. Not a bad deal.
   Economically speaking. A home owner owns the soil on the land. Utilizing soil that you already own decreases the costs relative to material purchases (and labor)normally associated to building a home. This reduction in material costs can reduce overall construction material costs by as much as 35% to 50% depending on the structure.
   Environmentally speaking. If the need arises to remove the structure at any point down the road; this material can be ground up and reintroduced directly on the site. Ecologically, this is green in regard to impact of the environment.
   All around -- this is definitely positive alternative building at its' finest.
   Thanks for responding to my message. Didin't realize that this forum was very slow to react. Of course, most of us are out getting our hands busy for the building season -- so the computer seems to take a "back-end" to work. Have a great day -- look forward to hearing from you again soon! Where are you located? I'm in Reno, Nevada... Big Sky country... having a wonderful summer out here!
   Sincerely,
   Ronald M. Gray

1. 
   Don_Lauer | Jul 13, 2000 02:35am | #3

   *Ron; Spent some time visiting in Reno while in the military in 1971.Back then the "strip" was only about a half mile long. Your info on earth block is interesting.Here in nothern Va.we have managed to salvage our 10,000 block for a passive solar home.Most of it from one site,along with the steel.But your earth block ideas would be great for an alternative!We can buy a 94 lb.bag of portland for $5.50 here.It's amazing what can be done with it.Thanks for the info and keep up the work!! Don L.

3. 
   Ron_Gray | Jul 13, 2000 02:35am | #4

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   I'm working with compressed earth block. At this point -- finding the material mixes that work at low moisture levels. The performance characteristics are getting better all the time.

   Anyone working with adobe or CEB -- give your suggestions!

   If you are in the Northern Nevada Region and want to get to know this technology feel free to contact me!

   Sincerely,

   Ronald M. Gray