Increasing the strength of soil for adobe construction

Abstract

Adobe structures offer a number of advantages such as providing a high level of physical comfort conditions, low initial costs and low lifecycle costs. These characteristics of adobe structures make them an alternative technology for pursuing sustainable construction. Despite their advantages, adobe structures have some shortcomings. Adobe is brittle and it has a low compressive and tensile strength. Up to now, great losses have occurred due to earthquakes. A huge number of people living in adobe structures have lost their lives and there has been great damage to these buildings. Besides this, low water resistance is its weakest feature. This research addresses shortcomings of adobe structures. It explores alternative ways of increasing compressive strength, toughness, flexibility and water resistance of the adobe blocks, It concludes with proposing an alternative house design.