ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
INSULATED CONCRETE
FORM SYSTEM
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) is a result
of cast-in-place concrete walls that are
sandwiched between two layers of
insulation material.
It is a system made up of expanded
polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation blocks
that plastic webbing separates.
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )
METHODS
 It is installed similar to masonry construction. When constructing a wall, builders often
start at the corners and add layers one at a time.
 One of the common applications for this method of construction are low-rise buildings,
with property uses ranging from residential to commercial to industrial.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Insulating concrete forms systems can vary in their design: flat, waffle and post & beam.
 "Flat" methods provide a continuous layer of concrete, similar to a traditional wall that
has been poured.
 “Grid” method is thicker in certain places than the others making it look like a waffle
pattern.
 "Post and beam" on the other hand is a systems consist of individual foam-insulated
concrete columns that are both horizontally and vertically oriented. (See Figure Below)
PROS
 Strong, disaster resistance, sound blocking ability, improve concrete curing time, energy
efficient, insect resistant, fast and easy installation, flexible, light weight for easy
shipping and erection.
CONS
 Does not work well in low temperatures, higher cost for labor, improper installations lead
to structural issues, indoor humidity problems.
 ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
SYSTEM
Modular construction system is a process
that builds every part of the structure in a
controlled environment like factories and
such.
Buildings are created in "modules" that
matches the exact design intention and
requirements of the most advanced site-
built facility without any compromise.
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )
METHODS
 Every stage of the project remains the same: development, design, construction and
finishing.
 The only difference is that it takes the longest stage off-site to speed up the process of
creating modules and once the modules are at the jobsite, the modules are stacked by
cranes to form a finished building.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Modules are manufactured from a series of 2D panels, beginning with the floor cassette,
to which the four wall panels and ceiling panel are attached generally by screws.
 The walls transfer vertical loads and therefore the longitudinal walls of the upper module
are designed to sit on the walls of the module below.
 PROS
 Greener, faster installation, flexible, less material waste, improve air quality, safer
construction, limitless design opportunities

CONS
 Does not work well in low temperatures, higher cost for labor, improper installations lead
to structural issues, indoor humidity problems.

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING DESCRIPTION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM ( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

STRUCTURAL INSULATED
PANEL SYSTEM
SIP’s are made of stiff foam insulation
installed between two OSB panels.
They may be applied structurally to build a
wall or roof system with no thermal
bridging.
SIPs are created in factory-controlled
settings and can be customized to fit
almost any building design.
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
METHODS
 SIP’s can be installed up to 55% percent faster than stick framing
 They come pre-installed with lumber and headers to maximize on-site efficiency.
 The process of installing is as simple as erecting the SIP’s at a desire place then
applying the sealant to secure the position, then repeat until the building is finished.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Typical thicknesses include 90mm, 140mm, 150mm, and 160mm.
 Standard walls take vertical compression from the roof and floor above, vertical tension
from the roof above, and lateral out of plane wind pressure. (See Figure below)
PROS
 Energy efficient, insulating form core, airtight construction, unique ventilation system,
design versatility, minimal waste, easy installation, eco-friendly
CONS
 Prone to moisture damage, ventilation may be an issue, no space for post-build
improvements, limited fire resistance, cost more than wood framing
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )
 METHODS

RAMMED EARTH SYSTEM

A mixture of gravel, sand, silt, and a

trace quantity of clay is rammed into
position between flat panels known as
formwork to create rammed earth walls.

Significantly stronger than Adobe and Cob TECHNICAL DETAILS

and require less maintenance.  The standard thickness of rammed earth walls is generally 300mm.
 The minimum structural thickness for load-bearing earth wall is 250mm and non-load
bearing walls is 200mm.

PROS
 Excellent insulating option, durable, fire resistance, moisture resistance, non-toxic, high
level of versatility and pest protection, easy to install.

CONS
 High-cost, not long term insulating benefits, limited to low-rise building and square
shape, long time to cure

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING DESCRIPTION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM ( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

PRECAST CONCRETE SYSTEM
Precast concrete is a type of concrete that
is mixed, poured, and then allowed to cure
off-site, often in a factory setting with
controlled conditions.
each precast panel is independently
supported to the building structure using
an assemblage of metal components and
anchors
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
METHODS
 Precast concrete is poured into a wire mesh or rebar-filled wooden and steel mold.
 It is cured in a controlled environment, usually at a plant.
 Once finished, the precast concrete is transported to a construction site and put into
place to be installed.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Panel size should be suited to the building design. For instance, for a single-story
structure, the panel may be eight to 10-feet tall, and 20 or 30 feet long.
 For a two-story building, the panel might be 15- to 20-feet tall. as long as the panel can
be trucked to the site without causing problems on roads, the size is dictated by the
building itself.
PROS
 Saves construction time, quality assurance, cost-effective, durable, aesthetics, safe
construction platform
CONS
 High initial investment, transportation issue, handling difficulties, modification issues,
sensitive connection works.
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION
SYSTEM
Straw bales are essentially stacked straw
bales that are finished with plaster, earth
or stucco.
Straw-bale construction is a sustainable
building technique in terms of both the
materials used and the energy required for
heating and cooling.
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
METHODS
 To build a load-bearing home, the foundation is laid and the straw is stacked. Then, a
roof frame is placed on top of the straw and the roof is assembled.
 For a post-and-beam straw bale home, all the structural elements, including the
foundation, frame and roof, are put into place.
 Then straw bale is just filled in between the posts.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Moisture content. The drier the better. Anything below 18% is acceptable. Bales in the
12 to 16% range are ideal.
 Types of Fiber. This includes wheat, barley, oats, rye and flax.
 Size. A standard size bale should be 14 inches high, 18 inches wide and between 36 to
40 inches long.
 Density. The weight of an average bale should be 7 lbs.
PROS
 Eco-friendly, customizable, affordable, low fire hazard, easily sourced, convenient,
attractive aesthetics, biodegradable
CONS
 Unconventional. Permitting issues, pest concern, space consideration, gaps, need
extreme maintenance, no studs, moisture, structural movement, labor intensive
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION
SYSTEM
Bamboo is one of the most commonly
utilized building materials as a support for
concrete because of its great compressive
strength and low weight, especially in
areas where it is abundant.
Bamboo may be used to construct
scaffolding, bridges, homes, and other
structures. Similar to wood, bamboo is a
natural composite material with a good
strength-to-weight ratio that may be used
for building.
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
METHODS
 3 methods of working on bamboo: splitting, shaping and bending.
 The bamboo canes are divided into half or quarters, with each segment being set apart
by a wedge. It is available for four to eight segments, which are used to make canes,
strips, or battens.
 Although bamboos are inherently round, if they are cultivated in a box or square shape,
they take on the required shape.
 By heating them over 150° C when they are still freshly cut, bamboo may be bent. Even
after cooling and drying out, bamboo will keep its form.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 Modulus of elasticity of bamboo is generally around 2500ksi
 Seasoned bamboo possesses higher tensile strength of 54ksi
 Bamboo can be used as an alternative to steel as masonry reinforcement because of
the proven mechanical properties which gives it high performance
PROS
 Good tensile strength, fire resistance, good elasticity, low weight, cost effective, non-
toxic, great demand in earthquake, easy installation, eco friendly
CONS
 Require preservation, shrinking, hard to join, not durable enough, susceptible to
deterioration, variance in quality
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

CONSTRUCTION 3D PRINTING
SYSTEM
Construction 3D printing refers to a
number of technologies that employ 3D
printing as their main tool for creating
structures or construction-related parts.
Construction 3D printing technology have
been used to fabricate homes, building
materials (cladding, structural panels, and
columns), bridges, civil infrastructure,
artificial reefs, follies, and sculptures,
among other things.
ALTERNATIVE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
METHODS
 3D printing method includes extrusion, powder bonding and spray.
 Extrusion generates an item by depositing material via one or more nozzles installed on
a robotic arm or crane. It is used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications.
 Powder bonding powder bonding uses powdered raw material as its main component.
There are two methods: powder bed jetting and binder jetting.
 Spray method allows to fill the spaces of the structure with concrete, and its use is
currently being studied for vertical and outstanding applications such as facades or
ceiling decorations.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 3D printer has a robotic arm that is more versatile than other 3D printing techniques,
enabling the creation of complicated geometries and curves, and printing in bigger sizes.
 3D printer has gantry system works with rails placed around the floor of the building that
act as a guide to direct the robotic arm in the application of the concrete layer by layer.
PROS
 Lower construction cost, reduce construction waste, increase design shape, reduce
construction time
CONS
 Building codes, material types, engineering compatibility, reduction in manufacturing
jobs, restricted building size
DESCRIPTION
( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )
 METHODS
 Earthships typically include U-shaped architecture to optimize natural light throughout
the cold season. Also, they frequently have Trombe walls with south-facing glass
portions, giving the interior a greenhouse impression.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
EARTHSHIP SYSTEM

The Earthship system of architecture is a

form of minimal impact home that is self-
sustainable in energy and climate control
with embodied energy, designed in the
1970s by the architect Michael Reynolds.

The internal mass walls of Earthships are

often constructed below the frost line,
allowing the temperature to be naturally
maintained at about 15.5 degrees Celsius.
PROS
 Energy efficient, self-sustainable, ease of construction, provides natural light,
extraordinary organic forms,
CONS
 Don’t work as they intended, cause humid environment, not accurate, takes years to find
their median temperature, additions are rarely possible, roofs may have leaks.

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING DESCRIPTION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM ( Methods – Technical Details – Pros – Cons )

AUTOCLAVE AERATED
CONCRETE (AAC)
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is
made with fine aggregates, cement, and
an expansion agent that causes the fresh
mixture to rise like bread dough.
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is
concrete that has been manufactured to
contain closed air pockets and is one-fifth
the weight of concrete.
REFERENCES
METHODS
 For connections: roof frame/framing is connected to a conventional top plate or
hurricane straps embedded in the bond beam.
 Floor framing is attached with standard ledgers anchored to the side of the AAC
assembly adjacent to a bond beam.
 AAC floor systems bear directly on top of AAC walls.
 Larger structural steel members are set on weld plates or bolt plates set into the bond
beam.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
 For panels extended from floor to top of the wall: Height: up to 20 feet, Width: 24 inches,
Thickness: 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches (4 inches’ thick interior)
 Blocks are larger and lighter than traditional concrete masonry: Height: 8 inches typical,
Width: 24 inches long, Thickness: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches and a standard 8-by-8-by-
24-inch unit weighs about 33 pounds;
PROS
 Energy saver, non-toxic, lightweight, long-lasting, environmental friendly, accuracy,
easily installed.
CONS
 Brittle in nature, non-load bearing material, water absorption is very high, not contractor
friendly, prone to cracks
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