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