Compressed earth block?

Question:I want to know the availability and other details about the compressed stabilised earth bolcks to be used in construction of buildings at Chennai-India.

Answers:
Please contact the local Nirmithi Kendra (you can also contact HUDCO at Egmore to find out about Nirmithi Kendra) or Auroville Building Centre, SR-Auroshilpam, Auroville -605 101, Tamil Nadu or you can contact Architect Benny Kuriakose, First Floor, New No. 53, Vasantha Avenue, MRC Nagar, RA Puram, Chennai 600 028.

The Stabilized Compressed Earth Block (SCEB) Technology offers a cost effective, environmentally sound masonry system. The product, a stabilized Compressed Earth Block has a wide application in construction for walling, roofing, arched openings, corbels etc. Stabilized Earth Blocks are made by compacting raw material like earth mixed with a stabilizer such as cement or lime under a certain pressure using manual or hydraulic pressing machines. The basic principal of all the machines is the compaction of raw earth to attain dense, even sized masonry. SCEB Technology helps in offsetting the use of fuel wood that is getting expensive every day. On the other hand, compressed earth blocks are sundried and use cement as stabilization for gaining the required strength. The Stabilised Compressed Earth Block may be solid or hollow or interlocking. The shape and size of a block is defined by the equipment used in its manufacture. SCEBs can be used for load bearing construction upto 3 storeys. The cost of a block depends upon a variety of factors including quality and price of available soil, amount of stabilisation, labour, productivity equipment and overhead costs. The degree of stabilization has the maximum influence on the cost of the product.

Best of luck.