1. The materials required for earth-creting i.e., aggregates, earth and cement are loaded in the appropriate ratios into the mixer machine. Ratios used for Earthcrete mix are (Cement:Earth:Aggregates from rubble): 1:9:18, 1:6:12, ¾:5:14. The ratio is changed according to the type of Earth, size of Aggregates and the kind of structural material it goes into.
2. Adding water in right quantities to the mix in the mixer machine.
3. Checking the consistency of the mix once prepared and altering the ratio if required.
At Sacred Groves earth-crete is used in building different structural members of the prototype house:
1. Plinth wall: The plinth wall was made with a mix of (Cement:Earth:Aggregates from rubble): 1:9:18 with width of 2ft up to a height of 1.2 m from ground level to prevent water from getting in contact with the cob wall.
2. Toilet slab:Wherever it was possible steel reinforcements were replaced by bamboo to reduce the carbon footprint of the house. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the toilet slab is 1:3:4:: Cement: Soil: Gravel.
3. Ring beam:The ring beam was cast to support the cantilever balconies. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the ring beam is 1:3:4 : :Cement: Soil: Gravel. Wherever it was possible the steel re-inforcements were be replaced by bamboo.
4. Cantilevered balconies:The cantilever was cast to support the cantilever balconies. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the ring beam is 1:3:4: :Cement: Soil: Gravel. Wherever it was possible the steel re-inforcements were be replaced by bamboo.
5. The compost pit chute: The width of the compost pit wall is 4″. Marine ply wood shuttering was used with PVC as spacers. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the ring beam is 1:9:18: :Cement: Soil: Gravel.
6. As partition walls: The width of the partition wall is 4″. Marine ply wood shuttering was used with PVC as spacers. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the ring beam is 1:9:18: :Cement: Soil: Gravel.
7. Rain water collection tanks:
The width of tank wall is 2’. Waste petroleum pipes were used as shuttering. The ratio of earth-crete mix in the ring beam is 1:9:18: : Cement: Soil: Gravel.
Why the change in the mix to 1:9:18 from 1:3:4 Cement: Soil: Gravel? Is it that it needed to be stronger?
wow. very inspiring and nice captcha
Very good and very nice inspiration
What mix do I need in the High Sierras Nevada. We have a very Sandy soil content?