Cost effective construction materials

K.Ramsiddarthan,

II B.Tech Civil Engg.(HD),

The Gandhigram Rural Institute

(Deemed University).

INTRODUCTION

Shelter is one of the basic needs for human development and it is an important quality measure of living standards. Nowadays development focuses on the cost effective construction through appropriate and alternative building materials and technologies.

COST EFFECTIVE MATERIALS

The cost effective materials and technology which is utilized for housing are,

stabilized mud blocks,

funicular shell roofing,

ferro-cement ,

fly ash blocks,,

precast doors and window frames,

micro concrete tiles,

brick panel filler slab.

MUD BLOCK

Mud block is prepared by pouring slightly

moistened soil into a steel press and compressing manually

or by mechanical means. Mud blocks are available in

different shapes. Mud block can also be stabilized by

mixture of suitable raw materials like cement or lime and

then it is called stabilized compressed earth block.

MUD BLOCK PROPERTIES

Dimension variation : +/- 2mm

Wet compressive strength : 20-30 kg/cm2

Water absorption <18% by weight

Textural characteristics : no pitting on the surface

MANUFACTURING OF MUD BLOCK- TARA BALRAM MACHINE

Block – 230 X109 X76 mm

Machine – 1500X600X1200 mm

Weight – 180 kg

No. of blocks – 2/cycle

Man power required – 5 to 8

Operation – manual

Compressive strength – 20 to 30 kg/cm2

MUD BLOCK ADVANTAGES

Easily available

Saves time and money

Non hazardous material

Renewable resources

Easy to manufacture

Cost efficiency

FUNICULAR SHELL

It can be prepared from moulds of standard size.

They are used as roofs for simple primitive and non load

barring structures. Funicular shell roofs are available

from 1 m square

ADVANTAGES

Cost effective

Weightless and easy to manufacture

Strength is establishes

FUNICULAR SHELL

Dia of rod : 6mm

Concrete : m15

Ratio : 1:2:4

Aggregates : 6-12mm

Weight : 225kg

Cost : Rs.175/-

FUNICULAR SHELL

FERRO CEMENT PANELS

It is prepared using mesh and cement mortar. This

panels can be used for constructing walls, roofs, doors

and in water storage structures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Low cost

Saves time

Less in weight

Temporary low structures can made

easily

Not suitable for load bearing walls

CONCLUSION

The increasing concern for the provision of shelters in

both urban and rural areas is identified as one of the agenda in

the millennium development goals. It can be better achieved

by adopting cost effective construction materials and

techniques.

THANK YOU