Far Eastern University

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

Proposed Refuge for Abandoned Street children

Bioclimatic Filipino Architecture

A Thesis Proposal Submitted to the

Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in

ARCH 511: Pre-Thesis Design Problems

Submitted by:

Zarah Rose De Torres Ramirez

Arch. Gregoria Mercado

Class Adviser, ARCH 511 – AR0953

August 27, 2013

1.1 Research Focus

Title: “Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB)”

Sources:

Wall Building Technical Brief (n.d.). Building with Interlocking Blocks. Retrieved

August 26, 2013from

http://www.cd3wd.com/cd3wd_40/GATE_DL/BUILDING/IB/EN/IB.HTM

Wheeler, G. (2005). Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks: Manual of

Construction. Center for Vocational and Building Technology, Volume II. Retrieved

August 26,2013 from http://www.cvbt-web.org/uploads/Pubs/RhinoCwb/CONSTRCT.pdf

Guillaud, H., Joffroy, T., Odul, P., et.al. (1985). Compressed Earth Blocks: Manual

of Design and Construction, Volume II. Retrieved August 26,2013 from

http://www.ecohabitar.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/04-5793-1.pdf

Maïni, S. (n.d.). Earthen Architecture For Sustainable Habitat and Compressed

Stabilised Earth Block Technology. India: Auroville Building Centre. Retrieved August

26,2013 from

http://www.ada.gov.sa/idc/groups/public/documents/AR_ADA_Researches/004568.pdf

Why are Bricks Sustainable? Retrieved August 27,2013 from http://www.thinkbrick. com.au/ why-are-bricks-sustainable-4/

Summary:

The research activities that ultimately

led to the development of the interlocking

block technique, which is gaining popularity

in Thailand, as well as Malaysia and the

Figure RF1: Various Types ofInterlocking Blocks

Philippines, date back to the 1960s. In these countries, houses in the rural areas were

traditionally built of timber, which was readily available in the extensive forest areas.

However, the alarming rate of deforestation in Thailand - from 70% forest cover in 1936

to about 55% in 1961 (now it is less than 30%) - led the government to initiate research

into alternative materials for building construction in the rural areas.

o The Interlocking Block Technique

The concept of interlocking blocks is based on the following principles:

The blocks are shaped with projecting parts, which fit exactly into depressions in

the blocks placed above, such that they are automatically aligned horizontally and

vertically

thus bricklaying is possible without special masonry skills.

Since the bricks can be laid dry, no mortar is required and a considerable amount

of cement is saved.

Each block has vertical holes, which serve two purposes: 1. to reduce the weight of

the block, and 2. to insert steel rods or bamboo for reinforcement, and/or to pour

liquid mortar (grout) into the holes, which run through the full height of the wall,

thus increasing its stability.

The length of each block is exactly double its width, in order to achieve accurate

alignment of bricks placed at right angles.

o Types of interlocking blocks

A variety of interlocking blocks have been developed during the past years,

differing in material composition, shape and size, depending on the required strengths and

uses:

Different materials

Soil-cement blocks

Depending on the soil and cement qualities, the cement-to-soil ratio usually lies

between 1: 6 and 1: 10, by volume. (Laboratory tests are essential).

Rice husk ash (RHA) cement blocks:

The cement-to-RHA ratio is generally 1: 4, by volume. Two types of blocks can be

produced: white blocks, with a compressive strength of 4 N/mm, using ash

(amorphous silica) from field kilns, burnt below 900C; black blocks, with a

compressive strength of 1.4 N/mm, using boiler ash (crystalline silica), burnt up to

1200C;

Concrete blocks:

A typical mix proportion of cement-to-sand-to-gravel is 1: 5: 3.

Different shapes and sizes

Full blocks (300x 150x 100 mm) for all standard walls (single or double brick

thick)

Half blocks (150 x 150 x 100 mm), which can be moulded to size, or made by

cutting freshly moulded full blocks in half.

Channel blocks, same sizes as full and half blocks, but with a channel along the

long axis, into which reinforcing steel and concrete can be placed to form lintels or

ring beams.

The vertical sides of the blocks can be flat or have recesses, and the vertical grout

holes can be square or round.

o Advantages

The materials required for block production and building construction are usually

locally available in most regions; therefore, in areas in which timber is scarce and

expensive, construction with interlocking blocks has environmental advantages (no

deforestation, low energy requirement for block production and transportation).

Unlike the case of timber constructions,

termites cannot cause damage to the

blocks.

Compared with conventional masonry, the

dry assembly of interlocking blocks saves

construction time and a large amount of

mortar, which would otherwise be

required for the horizontal and vertical

joints.

Without the need for high-waged skilled masons (except for the base course), by

saving cement (less mortar) and with the speed of construction, the building costs

are lower than for standard masonry construction. Additional costs are saved by

building loadbearing walls, instead of infill walls between structural frameworks.

The structural stability and durability of interlocking block constructions can be far

greater than for comparable timber constructions. Grout holes and channel blocks

provide means to insert steel reinforcements in vulnerable parts of buildings for

increased wind and earthquake resistance.

Interlocking blocks can be produced on a small scale on the building site (for self-

help construction), or on a large scale in centralized production units.

Figure RF2: Typical construction site of anInterlocking soil-cement block house in Thailand

The interlocking block technique is suitable for the construction of multi-storeyed

buildings, in the same way as for standard masonry constructions.

Significance of the Research Focus

The use of Interlocking Compressed Earth Block is greatly significant for it is low-

cost earthquake-resistant using indigenous materials. According to Think Brick Australia’s

report, the bricks’ have sustainable qualities such as:

o Brick lasts for a very long time

Long before 'sustainability' was a priority, builders and home owners were using

clay bricks because they lasted forever and required almost no maintenance over time.   

 Brick buildings are strong, durable and can resist extreme weather events through

fire-resistant construction and resistance to impacts and wind-borne debris.    

o Brick buildings are energy efficient 

By using bricks in conjunction with good solar passive design and insulation, home

owners can now create a house that requires no artificial heating or cooling in nearly all

parts of Australia, significantly reducing energy use.  

  

Building with brick helps reduce internal temperature fluctuations ensuring

comfortable living and working conditions throughout the day or year.  Brick's

exceptional thermal mass  means that it absorbs heat and slows down heat transfer. In

summer, brick gradually absorbs heat from the sun and keeps the building cooler during

the hottest part of the day.   In winter, the brick holds the building's heat longer, keeping

occupants warmer.    

Over a 50 year period, life cycle analysis (LCA) shows that most energy (89%) is

used in the operational phase of a house, rather than in the building process. In particular,

heating, ventilation and air conditioning represent a bigger source of green house gas

emissions than manufacture and construction, so it makes sense to focus on building your

house to reduce operational energy by using materials with a high thermal mass such as

brick.

o Efficient manufacture has reduced the energy required to make brick 

Over the past thirty years the manufacture of bricks has improved dramatically,

contributing to the inherent sustainability of the product. Manufacturing plants have been

re-engineered to make use of highly efficient tunnel kilns, fired using natural gas, and all

waste heat and clay is recycled within the plant. Ongoing innovation in manufacturing

processes means the energy required to make clay bricks is reduced every year.

o Bricks serve multiple functions, reducing environmental impacts

Brick walls fulfill multiple uses including providing structure, finish, acoustic

comfort, thermal comfort, good indoor air quality, fire resistance, impact resistance and

durability, all in one product, reducing environmental impacts and increasing energy and

resource efficiency.

o Bricks can be reused or recycled

Bricks can be reused or recycled in three ways. Firstly because of their longevity

and durability, brick buildings can often be renovated for different purposes, removing the

need to construct a whole new building with all its associated environmental impacts.

Secondly bricks can be salvaged, cleaned and reused to build new buildings. Thirdly old

bricks can be recycled into new bricks or into other building materials such as aggregate

for concrete, for landscaping or as sub-base for pavements or roads. 

o Brick buildings provide healthy environments

Brick walls can contribute to improved indoor air quality by eliminating the need

for paints and the resulting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and by eliminating a food

source for mould. 

Objectives of the Research:

o To achieve the abundant advantages of the material in the project in order to

serve the children as well as the other target users the maximum comfort

they deserve.

o To apply harmony to the design of the building with its natural surroundings.

o To take the benefit of the materials’ financial efficiency to contribute to the

operational expenses advantages.

Analytical Framework:

Material 3Material 2Material 1

Chosen Material/s

Building Part/s identification

Solution Identification

Existing Site Problems

Proposed Refuge for Street Children

Comparative analysis of your focus compared with other conventional options.

Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB)

Concrete Hollow Blocks(Concrete Masonry Unit

CMU)

MaterialsGravel, sand, silt and clay

Made from a mixture of Portland cement, blended cement, various types of aggregates, and water.

Binder Silt and Clay Cement

Laying of blocks

o The blocks have a male top and female bottom

that lock with overlapping blocks.

They are easy to lay and require no mortar.

o Few bars is sufficient

o Need for more steel bars

o Need for forms

Weight Lightweight

FinishingNo Plastering & Paint

RequiredPlastering and Paint

RequiredEconomy efficient efficient

ColumnsThe blocks itself are load-

bearingNeed columns for support

Construction When it is laid it’s doneNeed for the plaster to dry.

Strengths

Blocks alone have a compressive strength suitable

for two or even three story buildings.

CMU reinforced with bars depending on the given stress.

InsulationThe blocks provide thermal

and sound insulationProduce more heat

LifespanCan last up to 400 years with good roofing and

foundation75 years lifespan

Recommendation for Application:

The Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB) will be applied to walls of the

project. Wherein, ample windows will be situated in the buildings for windward and

leeward considerations. Rectangular shape in plan will be followed for the maximum use

of the blocks. Moreover having this regular shape in plan gives maximum space for the

interiors.