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Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks-Eco-Friendly construction in Kenya.
a4architect.com
#1 Posted : Friday, February 17, 2012 2:24:17 PM
Rank: Veteran


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 1,668
Location: nairobi
The use of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks technology is slowly increasing in Kenya.
More and more Kenyans are becoming aware of the eco-friendly, pocket –friendly method of construction and choosing it over the usual masonry stone or Mabati iron sheet walling.
The first time I came across the technology, I found it stranger than fiction that soil stabilized with some cement can form into a solid hard rock seconds after compression . It sounded more like magic. The soil block when submerged into a bucket of water overnight together with a masonry stone and then lifted shoulder high and left to fall freely, will still not break. However, strange enough, the masonry stone will break into two after the same fall.
I have been in the construction industry for over 10 years but still fund this technology hard to believe. For laymen, it’s even harder to imaging that soil can be compressed to create a block just as hard as stone.
Thika Super Highway.
The recently completed Thika road is also based on Stabilized soil block technology. This is based on the American Standard as opposed to the usual British Standard of roads we are used to in Kenya where the base is made of several layers of compacted hardcore. In Thika road, the base is made of Stabilized Soil as opposed to hardcore. This is the method that the world is working towards since its better and more cost-effective.
Good to tame spiraling Inflation in Kenya.
http://www.a4architect.com/topi...y-construction-in-kenya/
As Iron Sharpens Iron, So one Man Sharpens Another.
luttz
#2 Posted : Friday, February 17, 2012 4:01:48 PM
Rank: Member


Joined: 3/18/2008
Posts: 377
Question! Approximately what percentage can one save when he embraces the blocks unlike the traditional stones for walling?

I am in process of putting up some units for rent and been seriously considering the use of blocks unlike stones. What would be your advise? Can they be used for 2 storey building?

Thank you
"You've never lived until you've almost died; for those who have fought for it, life has a flavour the protected will never know."
Kiraiku
#3 Posted : Friday, February 17, 2012 4:06:14 PM
Rank: Hello


Joined: 2/16/2012
Posts: 5
How much does it cost as opposed to the conventional stones?How much would the machine to do the job cost?
a4architect.com
#4 Posted : Saturday, February 18, 2012 12:57:10 PM
Rank: Veteran


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 1,668
Location: nairobi
@lutts and @kiraiku see here for cost breakdown http://www.a4architect.c...abilised-soil-blocks-2/
In other countries they can be used for G+1 construction. In Kenya the concept is still relatively new so the expertise to build G+1 is not there

To save construction costs, a holstic approach is needed whereby te building from foundation to finishes is designed to save costs.
http://www.a4architect.c...diamond-house-plan-cost/
As Iron Sharpens Iron, So one Man Sharpens Another.
a4architect.com
#5 Posted : Saturday, February 18, 2012 1:10:56 PM
Rank: Veteran


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 1,668
Location: nairobi
See storeyed stabilised soil block buildings here
http://www.a4architect.c...cks-storeyed-buildings/

In Kenya, am yet to see such but its just a matter of me convincing a client e.g yourself then we construct this way..if u r brave enough to lead the way for others to follow smile
As Iron Sharpens Iron, So one Man Sharpens Another.
luttz
#6 Posted : Saturday, February 18, 2012 1:55:23 PM
Rank: Member


Joined: 3/18/2008
Posts: 377
Thanks so much. Will consider this option. I will try and get in touch once am in town.
"You've never lived until you've almost died; for those who have fought for it, life has a flavour the protected will never know."
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