[Greenbuilding] Adobe mix

[Alan Abrams]

Gary-

Here are some variables to consider--

Are you in a fairly arid climate? 
Are your roof overhangs wide enough to protect the walls from rainfall?
Can you employ a capillary break at the base of the wall?
Is the subgrade very stable, and the risk of earthquake very low??
Is the available soil ideal for the bricks?

If the answers are mostly yes, then I'd just use soil and straw for the
bricks and mortar, and consider using the Portland you've saved for a
reinforced bond beam.

Alan Abrams
(formerly of Velarde, NM--good adobe country!)

  
Gary Viljoen <gary at humanworks.co.za> wrote: Hi All

Could anyone with experience comment on the pro's and con's of adding 5%
cement to my adobe brick mix?