Cost effective

construction materials
K.Ramsiddarthan,
II B.Tech Civil Engg.(HD),
The Gandhigram Rural Institute
(Deemed University).

INTRODUCTION
Shelter is one of the basic needs for
human development and it is an important quality
measure of living standards. Nowadays development
focuses on the cost effective construction through
appropriate and alternative building materials and
technologies.

COST EFFECTIVE MATERIALS

The cost effective materials and technology
which is utilized for housing are,

stabilized mud blocks,

funicular shell roofing,
ferro-cement ,
fly ash blocks,,
precast doors and window frames,
micro concrete tiles,
brick panel filler slab.

MUD BLOCK
Mud block is prepared by pouring slightly
moistened soil into a steel press and compressing manually
or by mechanical means. Mud blocks are available in
different shapes. Mud block can also be stabilized by
mixture of suitable raw materials like cement or lime and
then it is called stabilized compressed earth block.

MUD BLOCK PROPERTIES

Dimension variation : +/- 2mm
Wet compressive strength : 20-30 kg/cm2
Water absorption <18% by weight
Textural characteristics : no pitting on the surface

MANUFACTURING OF MUD
BLOCK- TARA BALRAM MACHINE
Block 230 X109 X76 mm
Machine 1500X600X1200 mm
Weight 180 kg
No. of blocks 2/cycle
Man power required 5 to 8
Operation manual
Compressive strength 20 to 30 kg/cm2

MUD BLOCK ADVANTAGES

Easily available
Saves time and money
Non hazardous material
Renewable resources
Easy to manufacture
Cost efficiency

FUNICULAR SHELL
It can be prepared from moulds of standard size.
They are used as roofs for simple primitive and non load
barring structures. Funicular shell roofs are available
from 1 m square

ADVANTAGES
Cost effective
Weightless and easy to manufacture
Strength is establishes

FUNICULAR SHELL

Dia of rod : 6mm

Concrete : m15
Ratio
: 1:2:4
Aggregates : 6-12mm
Weight
: 225kg
Cost
: Rs.175/-

FUNICULAR SHELL

FERRO CEMENT PANELS

It is prepared using mesh and cement mortar. This

panels can be used for constructing walls, roofs, doors
and in water storage structures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Low cost
Saves time
Less in weight
Temporary low structures can made
easily
Not suitable for load bearing walls

CONCLUSION
The increasing concern for the provision of shelters in
both urban and rural areas is identified as one of the agenda in
the millennium development goals. It can be better achieved
by adopting cost effective construction materials and
techniques.

THANK YOU