I'm just wondering, in principle, why we don't use this technique for places like tornado alley, or along the hurricane coast, or earthquake prone places?
It seems easy enough to use. Put two blocks together and a cement key to hold them together. The blocks could be built easily enough, I think, to account for wiring and insulation and other housing realities.
So, why isn't this more common in the building industry?
Because they’re poor insulators of heat. Such a design won’t fly well up here in Northern WI where it’s single-digit temperatures and snowing.
The old masons were meticulous. That trade is going by the wayside. Things change over time....I always learned that if we didn't have those Italian Masons, we wouldn't have front stoops.
… because there were no computers in the 9th century …Human brains are computers in and of themselves, still capable of processing more information than those that built them; and even DNA can code non-biological information at a far more efficient rate than computers. The patriarch Job, according to tradition, was the architect of Egyptian pyramids.
Because Mexican carpenters only know how to slam particle board onto toothpicks.
This sounds similar to Rastra blocks. They’re made (in part) of recycled material, are relatively lightweight, fireproof, with channels for wiring, and they stay cool in summer and hold the heat in winter.
“...or along the hurricane coast”
They do require that in Florida now. Thankfully not Texas, not sure of the other states.
The ancient Greeks locked the huge stones of their city walls together with iron sort of “I” shaped bars fitted into matching slots in the blocks.
Probably almost as strong as rebar.
Still gonna get roofs ripped off and windows sucked out. There are afew cinder block homes in town...very few.
“for places like tornado alley”
I’m not sure how well it would stand up to big tornadoes.
They pack an amazing wallop.
A lot of Cathedrals caved in during construction. I’ll go with the computer designs.
“Why don’t we build homes using interlocking cement blocks?”
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Dunno! (Ever notice so few folks rarely us that (I dunno) term anymore?)
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BUT, I ‘spect it has much to do w/$$$$$$!
And, like;y the %s are w/me?
;)
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GyG@PlanetWTF?
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We have winter in tornado alley. My brother owned a warehouse made like this. Coldest place on the face of the earth, and St Louis isn’t that far north.
Why don’t we build homes using interlocking cement blocks?
Notice the truth of the builders is the truth just about everywhere (with a few exceptions) - creative use of locally available materials.
ICF blocks will work in any climate. Insulated Concrete Blocks that have rebar anchoring wall to the footing with lightweight concrete filler. They are very energy efficient and will withstand tornadoes.
Theresa better system.
It involves styraform forms with channels that you put in rebar, and then pour in concrete.
It’s more effective because it has an insulating value much higher than concrete alone (the concrete blocks have air gaps to help with weight and insulate, but still have a big problem with heat(cold) transfer.
Since you are pouring the concrete into the top of the wall, the walls go up faster with less manpower and cost as well.
My neighbor built a home - it’s stronger than cinderblock with rebar! Insulating value is incredible. His electric bills are <50-60$ a month here in texas no matter if it’s 30 degrees or 105 outside.
The insulation creates the forming for the concrete pour.
I suspect force of habit has a lot to do with it. Builders use materials that they are familiar with. People buy homes that look familiar to them.
Expanded Polystyrene concrete, EPS, is a modern material similar what is described in the article. Cement plus beads of polystyrene.