Stabilized Mud Blocks

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WHY SHOULD WE USE STABILIZED MUD
BLOCKS??

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 Definition
• Stabilized mud blocks (SMBs) are manufactured by
compacting a wetted mixture of soil, sand, and
stabilizer in a machine into a high-density block.
Such blocks are used for the construction of load-
bearing masonry.

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• Earth or mud has been in use as a building material for wall
construction in all parts of world
• The unstabilised mud walls generally being thick have the advantage
of good thermal insulation.
• Stabilization is a technique of improving the properties of mud in
such a way that it will possess the adequate wet strength, durability
and dimensional stability (retains its shape and size both in dry and
moist conditions) without burning
• Compacting a mixture of sandy soil with 7% cement and small
quantities of lime at optimum moisture in a press results in stabilised
mud blocks (SMB).
• Compaction of soil-stabilizer mix can be done by using a manually
operated or a mechanized press.
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 Advantages
• Inexpensive And Energy-Efficient: This also reduces the cost of manufacturing,
about 40% cheaper than clay bricks. Also, the time required to manufacture these
blocks is minimal.
• Structural Strength: The testing of these blocks proved that their structural strength
is almost similar to that of clay bricks.
• Toxin-Free: The materials that go into making SMBs come from nature. No chemicals
are used in the making of these blocks therefore SMBs release no harmful or toxic
gases.
• The Bio-Degradable: While SMBs are strong-enough to withstand good loads, heavy
rains and snow, if demolished and disposed-off properly in soil, the humus can break
CSEBs down and thus giving back soil to the earth.
• Soundproof and Resistant To Fire And Pests
• Reducing Deforestation: Most of the fired clay bricks are fired using timber. SMBs do
not require fire for their manufacturing. This can reduce the large number of trees
being cut down.

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 Disadvantages

• Not suitable for high-rise buildings and wide-spans

• Proper soil identification required
• Skilled labour required
• Requires quality check at every stage of manufacturing to avoid low-quality
products.
• Under-stabilization resulting in low quality products

“Despite all the limitations, Stabilized Mud Blocks are a great way to
construct eco-friendly buildings.”

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A Building of Auroville Earth Institute, Tamilnadu

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THANK YOU