FACTS About Compressed Earth Block

• Compressed earth block is a building material comprised of clay, sand and soil that are compressed into blocks. It is environmentally friendly as well cost and energy efficient.
• Environmentally Friendly: Building with organic materials that are readily available through nature.
• Lower energy and building expense: Earth block functions as an insulator, resulting in less energy needed to heat and cool. The rising costs of wood and concrete make earth block structures more cost effective.
• Fire and pest resistant: It is fire, bullet and bug resistant.
• Non-Toxic Process: The creation of compressed earth block is a non-toxic process, unlike the creation of many current building materials.
• Virtually sound-proof: Compressed earth block is a sound isolator and will decrease sound issues externally and internally.
• Creation and production of block can be done on-site: Depending on building codes and the geographical area, compressed earth block can be produced on the job site. Reduced cost of shipping materials by producing them as needed.
• Wall height usually 10 times the length of the block. For example a 12” block will allow us to build 120 inches or 10 feet.
• How is Block strength determined? There is no ASTM standard for the cure time or an unstabilized block. The addition of Portland Cement or Lime calls for a 28 day cure time. Which is the standard used for unstabilized block as well.
• Once a block is “cured”, the blocks would be tested at a geotechnical laboratory too determine compressive strength, modulus of rupture and wet strength.
• Laying of Blocks is similar to standard masonry practices, however a skilled mason is not required. Blocks can be laid either by “wet stacking” or a thin “slurry”. CEB the surfaces are flat and only require “wetting” or a thin “slurry” as a binding. The traditional wall is 20% mortar, A CEB wall is 5% slurry. A tremendous sav-ings in time and labor with a stronger wall. Story pokes are utilized to keep wall straight and level.
• Construction should be done during “dry” season. Concentrate on “Block Production” as soon as soil is dry enough. Cover wall with tarps or plastic each day to protect against unexpected weather. Plan for a lot of rain and wind. Use sacrificial coat of semi stabilize plaster on wall that have been built that day.
• Aesthetically pleasing: Compressed earth block structures can be built in any architectural design and made to resemble any finished structure.