|
|
|||
|
Stabilized Compressed Earth Block Technology |
|||
|
|
The
Stabilized Compressed Earth Block (SCEB) Technology offers a cost effective,
environmentally sound masonry system.
The product, a stabilized Compressed Earth Block has a wide application in
construction for walling, roofing, arched openings, corbels etc. Stabilized
Earth Blocks are manufactured by compacting raw material earth mixed with a
stabilizer such as cement or lime under a pressure of 20 - 40 kg/cm2
using manual soil press such as Balram. A number of manual and hydraulic
machines are available in India. The basic principal of all the machines is
the compaction of raw earth to attain dense, even sized masonry. Some of the
hydraulic machines can even manufacture interlocking blocks. These
interlocking blocks are highly suitable for speedy and mortar less
construction. Stabilized Compressed Earth Block (SCEB) Technology helps in
offsetting the use of fuel wood that is getting expensive every day. On the
other hand, Compressed earth blocks are sundried and use cement as
stabilization for gaining the required strength.
Product
The Stabilised Compressed Earth Block is a masonry unit of cuboidal shape.
This may be solid or hollow or interlocking. The
shape and size of a block
is defined by the equipment used in its manufacture. SCEBs can be used for
load bearing construction upto 3 storeys. The cost of a block depends upon a
variety of factors including quality and price of available soil, amount of
stabilisation, labour productivity equipment and overhead costs. The degree
of stabilization has the maximum influence on the cost of the product.
Raw Material and
Manpower
The primary raw material for the production of SCEB is raw earth or soil.
OPC cement in small quantities and water are other constituents. Coarse sand
or stone dust may be added depending on soil quality. Soil is made
up of
grains of various sizes. The grain size distribution of a soil determines
its suitability for the manufacture of SCEB.
6-10 persons
are required to operate a manual machine. For hydraulic machines the
manpower required is 6-8 persons. In both the systems 1 skilled worker is
required while the rest are semiskilled. The workers can be trained to
operate any machine in 10-12 days.
Areas of Application
Fired bricks has
potential of 460 billion bricks every year, which has been proven by NCAER
and leading brick association and is increasing steadily by 3-5% growth rate
every year. Even 5% market share will lead to 23 million bricks per year.
Compressed earth blocks can be used for almost all the applications of burnt
clay bricks. SCEBs can be used for load bearing construction upto 3 storeys.
The basic design principles of a good SCEB building are :-
| ● | Strong foundation with sufficient plinth height. |
| ● | Sufficient roof overhang and a strong wall finish. |
| ● | Careful detailing of joints and use of concrete elements where tensile stresses are active |
In India more
than 5 million Stabilised Compressed Eatlh Blocks have been used to build
residential and community buildings in both urban and rural areas.
Brief production
process
Production process
The production of SCEB is based on the principle of densification of raw
earth mixed with stabiliser (cement or lime) in small quantities ranging
from 5-10% by weight of the mix. The production process incorporates 3 main
stages
| Mix Preparation | Compaction | Post Production |
| Sieving | Filling the mould | Humid and wet curing |
| Batching | Moulding | Final storage |
| Mixing | Block ejection and stacking | Transportation |
Advantage of CEB
| ● | Cost effective |
| ● | Environmental friendly - conserves agricultural soil and non-renewable fuel |
| ● | Provides better thermal insulation |
| ● | Uses local resources |
| ● | Appealing aesthetics - elegant profile and uniform size |
Development Status
Commercialized
Technical Data
The
performance specifications of SCEB are based on B.I.S code IS 1725, 1982
and tested in accordance with IS 3495-1992.
| Techno-economic characteristics | Specifications |
| Dimensional Variation | +/-2 mm |
| Wet compressive strength | 20-30 kg/cm2 |
| Water absorption | <15% by weight |
| Erosion | <5% by weight |
| Expansion on Saturation | Expansion on Saturation |
| Surface characteristics | No pitting on the surface |
Economic Data
| Infrastructure cost for office and workshop includes: Working shed, office space, cement godown, facilities-electricity and water) | Rs 100,000 |
| Equipment TARA Balram model (manual machine) | Rs 30,000 |
| Hydraform with pan mixer (with hydraulic machine) | Rs 475,000 |
| Transportation and insurance (in India) | Rs 12,000 |
| Installation and know how transfer | Rs 25,000 |
| Total (package with hydraulic machine) | Rs 7,42,000/- (US$ 14,84 |
| These cost do not include cost of land, as it varies considerably from place to place) | |
Business
This technology
package with manual machine TARA Balram is ideally suited for small
entrepreneurs manufacturing cement Jali’s, Chajja’s or other similar
products used in building construction. Owners of local clamp brick kilns
can diversify into production of CEB. Group housing societies making
individual houses can benefit from the use of available local material at
the site of construction. Contractors can take the advantage of the mobility
of the equipment and save on the transportation cost by producing bricks at
site of construction.
HYDRAFORM Interlocking Hydraulic machine is capable of producing 1000 of blocks per day by eight workers. Total project cost is Rs 7.5 Lac for setting up one machine unit. The project cost does not include price of land and building. Adding more machines can increase the capacity based on the demand.
The equipment
is supplied by TARA (Technology and action for Rural Advancement), a leading
sustainable technology marketing organisation.
Transfer forms
Product, process on
turnkey basis
For further
information, please contact:
Mr. Subroto Roy
|