Feasibility of Adobe as a construction material : a case study

(1991) Feasibility of Adobe as a construction material : a case study. Masters thesis, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

[img]
Preview
PDF
9861.pdf

Download (3MB) | Preview

Arabic Abstract

-

English Abstract

This research investigates feasibility of adobe buildings in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Two different soils from two sites were explored. The different soils from two sites were explored. The effects of bitumen emulsion and palm tree fibre as additives were also investigated. For producing the bricks a machine was used that makes compressed bricks. The compressive strengths of the bricks without any additives and with the additives showed lower values than dictated by the adobe codes of the Southwest of United States. This is partly due to the expansive characteristics of Qatif soil. However, in terms of absorption and shrinkage, the good results were achieved. An economic analysis was done to determine the cost per square meter of adobe and a comparative 20 years analysis with adobe and clay burnt bricks. With 5% emulsion, the cost per square meter of adobe is the same as that of CMU (Concrete Masonry Units) but cheaper than CMU and calcium silicate bricks. Both present worth and annual equivalent worth analysis indicates the economic feasibility of adobe over clay burnt bricks. Given the traditional and architectural background of Saudi Arabia of adobe buildings, further research in this area is required to bring it on par with the other alternative and imported construction materials and methods.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: Architectural
Department: College of Design and Built Environment > Construction Engineering and Management
Committee Advisor: Bubshait, Abdulaziz A.
Committee Members: Assaf, Sadi A. and Konash, Farouk M. and Hassan, M. M.
Depositing User: Mr. Admin Admin
Date Deposited: 22 Jun 2008 13:50
Last Modified: 01 Nov 2019 13:52
URI: http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/id/eprint/9861