Architectural Dissertation Report - Mud and Lime as Building Material

ArchitecturalDissertation

MUDANDLIME AS BUILDINGMATERIAL

UndertakenBy DivyaSaroja.R Batch2018-2023

AhamedFazeelAkram CoordinatorandGuide

Prof.

KalasalingamSchoolofArchitecture

KalasalingamUniversity Krishnankoil

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Introduction Contents:

1.HistoryofEarthasBuildingMaterial………………………………1 1.1TimelineofBuildingMaterial………………………………2 2.Mud–asaBuildingMaterial………………………………………3 2.1IntroductiontoMudBuilding……………………………….3 2.2AdvantagesandDisadvantagesofMudas BuildingMaterial…………………………………………...4 2.3TypesofMudConstruction…………………………………5 2.3.1AdobeConstruction………………………………...5 2.3.1.1MakingofAdobeBricks……………………5 2.3.1.2AdvantagesofAdobe……………………....6 2.3.1.3CaseExample………………………………7 2.3.2CobConstruction…………………………………...8 2.3.2.1MakingofCobBalls……………………….8 2.3.2.2AdvantagesandLimitations ofCob………………………………………9 2.3.2.3CaseExample……………………………..10 2.3.3RammedandPouredEarth………………………..11 2.3.3.1ConstructionTechnique…………………...11 2.3.3.2AdvantagesandLimitations………………12 2.3.3.3CaseExample……………………………..13

LISTOFFIGURES

Figure24:ProcessofConstruction…………………………………19

Figure25:WattleandDaubTrialPanel…………………………….20

Figure26:WattleandDaubStructureinBangalore………………..21

Figure27:FrameworkforWattleandDaub………………………..21

Figure28:LimeCycle………………………………………………24

Figure29:LimeFlooring……………………………………………25

Figure30:Eco–Friendlyconstructionmaterials…………………..29

Figure31:AlternativeroofTechniques…………………………….29

Figure32:AlternativePlasteringandFlooring……………………..30

LISTOFTABLES

Table1ComparisonBetweenMudConstruction…………………..22

Table2AlternativeConstructionTechnique…………………….....28

Introduction:

The use of Industrial Materials like cement and concrete is more and use of earthen, natural and eco-friendly materials is reduced. Environmental problems like increase in carbon emissions and pollutions are 40% by the structures built using industrial materials that aren’t eco- friendly. So why not try reducingthecarbonemissionsbyusingEarthitselfasbuilding material?

Though we continue to use concrete for structural purposes, still we can reduce the carbon emissions by changing other elementsofastructuretoeco–friendlymaterial.Usingearthen materialslikemud,lime,stone,woodandothernaturalfibresfor constructioncanmakemajorchangestoourenvironment.

1.HistoryofEarthasBuildingMaterial:

Throughouthistory,earthhasbeenapreferredbuildingmaterial. Different techniques evolved throughout time, beginning with sundriedadobeblocksandprogressingtocobbuildings,rammed earthwalls,andcompressedearthbricks.Today,theseprocesses arecontinuallybeingrefined,andalternativebinders,especially suitedarebeingdeveloped.

Most of the historic building in India and outside India is built using earthen materials. E.g.: Dravidian temple with Stones, temples in Bengal made with surkhi, Great Wall of China with stonesandmud.

Mud,lime,stone,woodandplantfibersweretheonlymaterials usedtobuildstructures. 

People made use of nature Itself to build their own structures. 

Natural materials are the only materials that are ecofriendlyandemitlesscarbontotheatmosphere. 

Natural building materials may not provide same results like the industrial materials like concrete and cement, but can be used provide very healthy environment to its residents. 

Mudandstonestructuresstoodstrong,andevennowstands strong. 

Earthenbuildingsarepresentinallpartsoftheworld;hence itissuitableforallclimateandregions.

1.1Timelineofbuildingmaterials:

Fig1–TimeLineofMaterials

2.MUD–ASABUILDINGMATERIAL:

Whenearthisutilizedasaconstructionmaterial, itisfrequentlygiven several names. It is a combination of clay, silt (extremely fine sand), sand,andoccasionallybiggerparticlessuchasgravelorstones,andis knownscientificallyasloamorMud.

Therearedifferenttechniquesofconstructionusingmudas abuilding material. Adobe, cob, rammed earth, wattle and daub are most commonly used construction techniquesusing mud as a building material.

Listedbelowaresomefamousbuildingsconstructedusingmud(adobe)

Thesearesomeexamplesofoldmudstructuresthatstandstrongtillnow. Adobe,cobandwattleanddaubaremostlyusedforconstructioninhistoric sitesandstructures.

Fig2RamesesinEgypt

Fig3–Al-Diriya -Saudi

Fig4–MariinSyria

Fig5–TaboMonastery

2.2– ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OFMUDASBUILDINGMATERIAL

• Mudbalancesairhumidity:

Loam or mud is able to absorb and desorb humidity fasterand to a greater extent than any other building material, enabling it to balance indoorclimate.

• Mudstoresheat: Loam, like other heavy things, retains heat. Therefore, loam can balance interior climate in climatic zones with large temperature changesorwhenitisimportanttostoresolarheatinputpassively.

• Mudreducesenvironmentpollution:

For on-site preparation, transport, and handling of loam requires just around1%oftheenergyrequiredforthemanufacturing,transport,and handling of baked bricks orreinforced concrete. Loam, as a result, emitsalmostlittlepollutantsintotheenvironment.

• Mudisalwaysreusable: Unbaked loam may very well be easily recycled over an extremely long period of time. After soaking in water, old dry loam may be reused, meaning that loam is never a wasteproduct that threatens the environment.

• Mudsavestransportationcharges. When compared to other construction materials, the use of excavatedsoilresultsinmuchlowerprices.Evenifitistransported fromotherconstruction sites, thisdirtisgenerallysignificantlyless expensivethanindustrialbuildingsupplies.

2.3.1.-AdobeConstruction:

Adobemeans"sun-driedmudbrick."It'smadeupofsand,silt, clay, and fibers. This finished mixture is placed into a frame in the shape of a brick. The frame is lifted once the form has been cast, and the bricks are sun- dried. It may be cast in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms and utilized in the same waythattraditionalbricksareused.Itisstrongandstructurally provides the building with adequate thermal mass to the Structure.

2.3.1.1)MakingofAdobe Bricks:

Adobe bricks (mud bricks)are producedfromdirtandstraw witha highclaycontent.Whenmadebyhand,the earth mix is poured into open molds onto theground and let to dry. Adobe bricks are sun-dried rather than kiln fired. They are laidupintoawallusingearthmortarwhenusedforbuilding. The final walls are smoothed down before drying. A clay renderisfrequentlyusedasasurfacecovering.

Fig6-MakingofAdobeBricks

2.3.1.2)AdvantagesofAdobeConstruction:

Adobebricksarefire-resistant. 

Long-lastingyetbiodegradable. 

Non-toxicbuildingmaterialthataddsquiteenoughthermal masstoastructuretoensuregreatinsulation performance. 

Lowsoundtransmissionlevelsthroughwalls. 

Generalsenseofsolidityandsecurity. 

The Adobe method allows individual units or bricks to shrink before being installed in the wall. The risk of major shrinkage and cracking, which would otherwise occur in high clay-content soils in a massive monolithicwall, is reduced. 

Thebricksmightwellbecastfromabroadervarietyofsoils andcanwithstandhigherclaycontentthanin-sitemethods. 

Thecompactadobeunitsallowforalotofopportunities inthedesignandconstructionofearthenstructures. 

Adobe bricks can be easily cut for fitting and can befitted withholesforstrengtheningandservices. 

The carbon emission is very low compared to other industrialmaterials. 

Since it is a normal masonry type of construction, skilledlaborsare notneeded.

2.3.1.3)CaseExamplesofAdobeBuildings

There are more significant and still standing structures made using Adobe.

One among them is Shibam in Yemen which is called as “Manhattan of the Desert”, which was Built using Sun dried mud bricks which is Adobe and is 4 to 8 story height andisbuiltaround9th Century.

Fig7–ShibamCity

The mud was combined with chopped straw and water before being placed into simple wooden molds on the ground to harden. The bricks were more like flat cakes, about 45 centimeters long by 30 centimeters broad; thinner bricks are used for the upper levels. The bricks are more like flat cakes, about 45 centimeters long by 30centimeters broad; thinner bricksareusedfortheupperlevels.Tobuildawall,theyareset together with mud mortar and then smoothed with a finer mud layer. But whatprotectsit frombeingsweptaway? –It's acommonenquiry.Thekeyisthetypeofsoil,whichisjustthe properbalanceofclay,silt,andsand.Nurah(limeplaster)is frequentlyutilizedasadecorativeelementaroundwindowsand doors.

2.3.2)CobConstruction:

Cob is amixtureof subsoil, sand, fibrewhile adding water to bind them effectively. Sub soil is the soil taken from at least 2ft below the ground. From subsoil we get sand and clay.Sandfor thecompressioninthe buildingandclay acts asbindingagent.Fibresuchascoconutfibreandricestraws are for the tension in the wall and is used to bind and hold thestructuretogether.

2.3.2.1)MixingandMakingCob:

Themostcrucialaspectofcobisgettingtheappropriatemix, whichshouldbearound2partsclay,1partsand,adustingof straw, and a little water. The best way to combine them is with your bare feet. The mixture should retain its shape and not appear to be melting or slumping. (The ratio of the mixturesmaychangeaccording totheclaycontentavailable inthesite)

The mixture must be mixed several times with bare feet and must be made into small balls which can be used for construction.Themudballsarethenusedforconstruction.

Fig8MixingofCob

2.3.2.1AdvantagesandDisadvantagesofCob

Advantages:

• Cobconstructionisaverycost-effectivebuildingmaterial, bothfinanciallyandenvironmentally.Thisisduetothefact thatallthematerialsusedtoconstructthehomecanbefound locally, rather thanhaving raw materials manufactured and transportedtotheconstructionsite.

• Cob houses provide natural insulation and are extremely energy efficient. Due to its high thermalmass, the walls absorbnaturalsunlightduringthedayandstoreituntilnight andgivesWarmthtotheResidents.

• Thewallsareextremelypowerfulandsoundproof.

• They can even withstand the effects of an earthquake and are fire resistant. Termites, rodents,and burrowing insects are also repelled by the straw,soil, and clay and other admixtures.

Disadvantages:

• The wall thickness in cob homes is much bigger than in conventional homes, that further means you will lose some squarefootage or needto planfor alarger footprint of your home.

• Cobislaborintensiveandtakestimetosetitself.

• Cob may wash Away in rain or other natural factors if not mixedwellinagivenratioandadmixtures.

2.3.2.3)CaseExampleofCobBuilding:

Fig9–CobHouseView Fig10CobHouseKitchen

ThisisaresidentialspaceconstructedinPerunthurai,TamilNadu(1300 Sq. Ft) by Aravind Manoharan, here the cob balls are made using naturallyavailablesiteclaysoil,ricehusk,StrawandWater.

Fig11CompletedCobresidence

2.3.3)RammedEarthandPouredEarth

Rammed Earth is simply mixing admixtures, mud and small stones as a Mixture and use it for construction of a monolithicwall.Rammedearthisadrymixturewhereases pouredearthisawetmixture.Rammedearthisbothused forwallsaswellasforfoundation

Fig12RammedEarthWall

2.3.3.1) Construction Technique for Rammed and PouredEarth:

• Formworkforthestructureismade.

• ThemixtureforrammedearthisPutintotheframeand isrammeduntilthe thicknessofthemixtureisreduced.

• Thisisdoneformanylayers

• Afterthedryingprocess, theformworkisremoved.

• The same is done for poured earth but ramming is not necessary becauseofthewetstateofthemixture.

Fig13Formworkforrammedearthwall 2.3.3.2)AdvantagesandLimitationsofRammed andPouredEarth

• Heatisretainedbythethickwallsduringthedayandslowly releasedatnight.hencethiswallactsasbetterinsulation.

• If insulated well, this technique can be used for different regionswithdifferentclimaticconditions.

LimitationsofRammedandPouredEarth:

• Choosing of right soil for rammed earth is a bit difficult becausethestrengthofthestructuredependsonthesoilwe use.

• Itislaborintensiveandneedspneumaticormanual rammer.

• Thisconstructionistimeconsuming.

• If shuttering and form work is not done with certain precautions,wallsmaystartcrumblinginthecorners.

2.3.3.3)CaseExamplesofRammedEarth Buildings

Fig15RammedEarthWall

In this residence, mud available in the site itself is usedafter conducting stability test, hence reducing material cost, and increasingsafetyoftheenvironment.

Fig14RammedEarthresidenceinChennai,TamilNādubyDtdDesign Studio

2.3.4)EarthBagConstruction

Earthbag construction is also called as the super adobe. This construction technique is a method where mud and admixtures mixed together is filled in jute bags andis used for constructing instead of normal bricks. This construction technique is used bothforfoundationandwalls.

2.3.4.1)MakingofEarthBags

• Soilthatwegetfromexcavationorbydiggingapondinthe siteissieved,addedwithsomewater,admixtures,limeand otherbindermaterials neededandismixedwell

• This mixture is then filled in jute bags and bamboo pegsis insertedtogiveshapetotheearthbagsandisstitchedtightly usingjutethread.

• Theearthbagsaremanuallyandcarefullyrammedto giveuniformshapetothebags.

• Nowthebagsare readytouse.

Fig16EarthbagsafterStitching

2.3.4.2)ConstructionusingEarthBags.

As said, Earth Bag Construction is used both forWalls and For Foundation.

Fig17EarthBagFoundationbyThannal EarthbagsforFoundation:



Thetrenchforfoundationisexcavated,and1st layerofstonefoundationislaid.



Theearthbagsarearrangedinthetrenchandisrammed foruniformlayerandisbindedwithlimemortar.



Thenextlayersofbagsarepinnedwith bamboopegs.

Fig18BambooPegsforStructuralStrength

EarthBagsforWalls:

Fig19EarthbagWallconstruction

Likefoundation,earthbagsisstackedlayeroverlayerwithlime mortarandbamboopegsforholdingthelayers. Admixturesand plasteringisdoneovertheearthbagwall.

Fig20Earthbagwallwithoutplastering

2.3.4.3)AdvantagesofEarthBags

• Theconstructionusingearthbagsisverycosteffectiveand iseasy tomake.

• Earthquake resistant and is a very powerful in thermal insulation.

• Fireandwaterproof.

DisadvantagesofEarthBags:

• Theprocess ofplasteringis alittle bittoughbecause ofthe shapeoftheearthbags

• Ifjutebagsarenotavailablereadily,orderingprocessmay taketimetomake.

• This requires a lot of mud; hence it is necessary to dig a pondortake mudfromnearbysite.

Fig21CompletedEarthbagresidence

2.3.4.4)CaseExample:

Fig22EarthbagresidenceinTiruvannamalai

Fig23ConstructionProcess

2.3.5–WattleandDaubConstruction

Wattle and daub is a method of making walls and buildings in which a twined lattice of wooden strips widely recognized as wattle is daubed with a sticky material usually made of a combinationofwetsoil,clay,sand,animaldung,andstraw.

2.3.5.1)ConstructionTechnique:

• The wattle is a wood or bamboo frame structure with wovenlatticepiecestiedtoeithersideofthewoodframe wall.

• The daub is made of an earthen mixture that resembles cob but is damper. It's used to plaster the wall and fill in thegapsbetweenthehorizontalwattles.

Fig24ProcessofConstruction

• Basically,framework withwood or bamboois the basefor the wattle and daub wall, to this framework the damp soil mixtureishandsculptedorearthcreted.

 Theframeworkisdonewithlocallyavailablewoodlogsor withbamboo.

2.3.5.2AdvantagesandLimitations:

• Wattleanddaubisverylighterinweight.

• Sinceframeworkisprovided,thisconstructiontechnique isstructurallystrong.

• This technique has very low carbon foot print compared toothertechniques.

Disadvantages:

• Constructionislabourintensive.

• Wattle and daub takes more time to dry because of the moistureinthemixture.

• Curingofthewallisbasedontheclimaticconditions.

• Can get destroyed with regular contact to rain if not insulatedwell.

Fig25WattleandDaubTrialPanel

2.3.5.3.CaseExample:

Fig27FrameworkforWattleandDaub

Horizontal weaving of bamboo is done and then the mud mixture is sculptedontothebaseframework.

Fig26WattleandDaubStructureinBangalore

2.4

ComparisonBetweenMudConstructionTechniques:

Table1–ComparisonbetweenMudConstructionTechniques

InferenceoftheComparison:

All the techniques are more or less the same when it comes to characteristics, durability and strength. Hence, construction technique mayvaryasperrequirementsandneeds.

3LIMEASABUILDINGMATERIAL:

Limeisahighlyflexiblematerialthatiswidelyusedinbuilding construction. It can be used as a component of mortar or the masonryunitinmasonryapplications.Limecanbefoundinboth exterior (stucco) and interior plaster systems. Finally, lime washes can be used to create decorative effects. Mostly, lime is used as mortar and for plastering and even as roof and flooring inmanystructuresinnorthernpartofindia.

3.1Advantages:

• Provides building breathing properties- lime was once thought tobe amaterial forpreventingthe depletion of ancient structures. This material allowed the building to breathe by allowing it to be vapor permeable. This reduces the chances of trapped moisture and structural damage.

• Environmentalbenefits:limeproductiononasmallscale ispossible,whichsavesenergycomparedtocement.

• Self-healing properties: any movement of a lime-based structurecausesmicro-cracks.Moistureactivatesthefree lime,causingittoprecipitateandhealthemicrocracks.

• Limeislocallyavailableandiseasytouse.

• Itisanindigenousbuildingmaterial.

• Extremely durable with correct ratio of admixtures and additives.

Disadvantage:

• Thecuringtimeforlimeisverylong

• Makingoflimeforconstructionneedsmoreattention.

3.2PROCESSINGOFLIME:

The limestone naturally taken cannot be used for construction (mortar, plastering), since it is in its stone form. Hence, lime is processedinseveralstepstouseitforconstruction.

Fig28–LimeCycle

Stage1:thelimestoneisminedinformofcalciumcarbonate

Stage2:thelimestone isburnedina limekilnand quicklime is produced.

Stage3:quicklimeisnowslakedtoproducehydratedlime

Stage4:hydratedlimeisusedtoconstruction.

3.3USESOFLIMEINBUILDINGCONSTRUCTION:

Lime mortar is used as a binding material and lime is used for external and internal plastering. Lime is even used for roof and flooringinnorthernpartsofIndia.

Limeis used asa binder mortar for madrasterraceroof without useofcement,concreteandsteelforroofingsystems.

Fig 29 – Lime roofing

3.4AdmixturesusedwithLime:

Basically, like cement, lime is a binding agent and is used as binder in construction. Lime basically needs certain admixtures likeharitakiandjaggeryandeggwhitesinsomepartsetc.

Haritaki is kadukkai which has high binding property and jaggery – unrefined sugar. Kadukkai and jaggery are both high in carbon. They're mixed into lime plasters or mortars after they'vefermented.Theyproducecomplexchemicalcompounds that aid in the carbonation of lime during fermentation. Kadukkaiishighintannicacidandcontainscarbohydratesinthe form of tannins. This bitter seed binds to lime extremely well, increasing its compressive strength. Jaggery water, on the other hand, increases the solubility of lime in water. It will be extremelybeneficialtoincludetheminthelimeslakingprocess aswell.

3.5 TypesofLimePlastersandMortar.

Therearecertainplastersinlimethatiswidelyusedeverywhere. The3mostusedlimeplastersare

Normallimeplaster

Chettinaadlimeplasters

Tadelaktlimeplaster

These 3 plasters are currently used in many projects and structures.

Similarly,thereare4typeoflimemortar:

Hydrauliclimemortar

Non–hydrauliclimemortar

Hotmixedlimemortar

Pozzolanamortar

4. Effective use of Mud and Lime in Current and FutureStructure

Structuresthatarebuildonlywithearthenmaterialsislimitedto 3 floors, but our need is more and environmental pollution is more.

Hence,wecantakemeasuresreducethecarbonemissions.

4.1AlternativeBuildingTechniquestoreduceCarbon Emission

Embodiedenergyisameasurementofhowmuchenergyittakes to make a building material. This includes the energy used to extract raw materials from nature, transport raw materials to manufacturingunits,andenergyusedinmanufacturingactivities toproduceafinishedproduct.

When local materials are used, the embodied energy can be reduced by 30%. The carbon emission made by building built using industrial materials is nearly 40% of the total carbon emissions, Concretemasonry'sembodiedenergyis508gjoules.

Mudbrick'sembodiedenergyis370gjoules.

Given-below is a very simple choice to reduce carbon emissionsstartingfromourowndwellings.

Table2AlternativeConstructionTechniques

4.2Eco–FriendlyMaterials:

Fig30–Eco–FriendlyConstructionmaterials

Fig31Alternativerooftechniques

Fig32AlternativePlasteringandFlooringTechniques

5.Conclusion:

Thesoonwechange,thelongwelive.

Carbon emissions is a major issue, automobile industry is the biggest polluter for carbon emissions and next is the built structures. The automobile industry is making changes to the motorized vehicles by changing it to electrical vehicles, so it is time to use our earth for construction and reduce the carbon emissions.

Earthen materials are natural and is not an environment pollutant, hence it is very safe and is important to save these ecofriendly practices to save ourselves. Using earthen materials like mud,lime,stone,wood and other natural fibres for construction can make major changes to our environment and ourpersonelwellbeing.

6.References:

1. https://www.kali-natural-buildings.com/choosing-right-eco-friendlymateria 2. https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY-ONMORTAR-USING-NATURAL-ADMIXTURES.pdf 3. https://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/internallimeplast/lime_plast er.htm 4. http://sacredgroves.in/?p=4000 5. https://www.ncshs.org/events/workshop/lectures/3.%20Traditional%20Lim e%20techiques.pdf 6. https://sustainablebuild.co.uk/usinglime/ 7. https://theengineeringedu.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-limemortar/ 8. https://theconstructor.org/building/lime-properties-uses-advantagesconstruction/15740/ 9. https://thannal.com/blog/ 10.https://www.koruarchitects.co.uk/cob-super-natural-materials/ 11.https://www.buildersmart.in/blogs/lime-material/ 12.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264563855_Lime_Mortars_in_Tr aditional_Buildings_Short_Guide_6 13.https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Embodied-energy-and-carbon-per-kgof-cob-in-comparison-to-other-building-materials-from_tbl1_320720329 14.https://greengarageblog.org/18-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rammedearth 15.https://www.rammedearthenterprises.com.au/rammed-earth-informationfor-professionals/ 16.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264901096_The_mud_additives_ and_their_effect_on_thermal_conductivity_of_adobe_bricks 17.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509515300176 18.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326551940_INVESTIGATION_ OF_THE_COMPRESSIVE_STRENGTH_OF_LIMECEMENT_CONCRETE

19.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652620330432 20.https://www.bamboo-earth-architecture-construction.com/wattle-daub/ 21.https://madeinearth.in/topics/workshops/2018-wattle-daub/ 22.https://www.britannica.com/technology/wattle-and-daub 23.https://www.homestratosphere.com/adobe-home/ 24.https://www.facebook.com/Greenarchitecture01 25.https://www.earthbuilding.org.nz/poured-earth/ 26.http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/faqs/advantages.htm 27.http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/cob/structural.htm 28.https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Concrete-The-Advantages-AndDisadvantages-Of-Mud-PJQQWCYGKU 29.https://selfrelianceuniversity.com/rammed-earth-construction-pros-andcons/ 30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSJaiPYMqwc&t=291s 31.https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/ConstructionMaisons_et_routes/MaisonsEnBambous/case-study-construction-oframmed-earth-house.pdf 32.https://www.archdaily.com/933353/how-rammed-earth-walls-are-built 33.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132316302165 #abs0015

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BookReference:

BuildingwithEarthbyGernotMinke

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