ALTERNATIVE LOW-COST BUILDING MATERIALS
Ar.Vidya Ar. Radha
School Of Architecture School Of Architecture
DSATM DSATM
Bangalore, India Bangalore, India
Abstract: Since economical factors have influenced Information collected has been provided in the
the construction industry dramatically in recent subsequent sections. Low cost Housing materials can
years and in many parts of the world steel is scarce be broadly classified into natural materials and
and expensive, many researchers are searching for manmade materials according to the source of the
low-cost materials as a substitute or alternative for building materials.
the present situation. Recently, various materials
have shown promise for future use as a major 2.1. Natural Materials
construction material. The purpose of this paper is
to highlight alternative low-cost building materials 2.1.1 Random-straw or Coconut Fiber
for possible use in low-cost housing having Stabilized Soil
advantages on areas such as India where concrete Straw-soil mix is an ancient construction material and
or steel housing is expensive. has been used in many countries for years.
Application of modern geotechnical techniques to
Keywords: Building Material; Low-Cost Housing; this material can further improve both strength and
Sustainability durability. Results with silty clay using the standard
AASHTO Compaction procedure applied with the
1. Introduction tensile test show that for 1% by weight of straw, the
Green building has taken off in recent year with tensile strength increase three times than that soil
many builders and new home owners looking for new with no straw and also the soil-straw mix gives a high
and different methods of construction that can ductility behavior. The percent of straw increase to
potentially offset energy cost. Construction of low the tensile strength increase reaches an optimum
cost housing by using the low cost building materials condition approximately around 1.6% by weight and
increases the access to buildings by low income further increases of straw will decrease tensile
group peoples. Low cost housing can be achieved by strength. From wet-dry test results, the coconut fiber
use of efficient planning and project management, gives better durability. If a sulfur coating is applied to
low cost materials, economical construction the compacted straw-soil mix, better water resistance
technologies and use of alternate construction is gained. Straw-soil mix can also simulate the soil-
methods available. The profit gained from use of root system.
such methods can decrease the cost of construction
and make the low cost housing accessible to all. The 2.1.2 Bamboo
use of low cost alternate building materials also After China, India is the second largest in bamboo
prevents the rise of construction cost due to use of production. Coupled with China, it holds 50% of the
scarce building materials which eventually increase world’s total share of bamboo production. Of the
the cost of the project. Some alternative building total 136 species of bamboo occurring in India, 58
material can be made out of natural materials, while species spread out over 10 genera are endemic to the
others can help to lower energy costs of the occupant north eastern part of India alone (Sharma, 1987). The
once built. Regardless of what the goal of the builder forest area, over which bamboos occur in India, on a
is, alternative building material and their use is on the conservative estimate, is about 9.57 million hectares,
rise. which constitutes about 12.8% of the total area under
forests (Bahadur and Verma, 1980). Its widespread
2. Eco friendly and Alternative Building availability and rapid growth in areas of China, Japan
Material and India has made this grass an interesting structural
In addition to the conventionally used materials there material due to its affordability, easy assembly and
are various alternative technologies and materials relatively long durability. A bamboo hut was
developed by various research organizations, constructed in 1955 which was treated with 4 percent
innovators and manufacturers in India that are CCa and since it has no deterioration. But bamboo
beneficial in the housing construction. As part of this culms offer some disadvantage like Bambo has a
, circular profile which makes it inherently difficult to livelihood. So straw has high potential as an alternate
connect other members. Also Bamboo has no support building material. It is also fire resistant as it does not
in the middle as it is hollow there, hence it cannot be support combustion, is thermally insulated, has sound
subjected to high compressive forces perpendicular to and moisture insulation and is not toxic.
the culms face. The following are the profiles of some construction
Some ongoing bamboo product are: alternatives constructed with straws and straw bales.
Corrugated Bamboo Roofing Sheet: A successful Life Extended Thatch Roofing: It is one of the lo-
roofing material with a development of traditional cally available and environment friendly alternative
material comes from Bamboo Board. It is eco- for corrugated sheets. By treating it with copper
friendly, light- weight, strong and durable and has sulphate solution, its life can be extended by reducing
minimal fire hazard when compared to thatch and the effect of biodegradability. Additional layer of
other roofing materials. These sheets can be used for treatment on the roof surface using phosphorylated
roofing, walling, door and window shutters and other spray or CNSL oil imparts water proofing, fire
components in building construction. resistance, termite proofing and weathering resistance
(Developed by CBRI/RRL-TVM).
2.1.3 Earth Improved Thatch Roofing: In order to decrease the
Earth is the oldest building material known to
fire hazard of thatch roof and making it water
mankind. But its widespread use is hindered due to
repellent a treatment had been designed by the
the limitations like water penetration, erosion of
Central Building Re- search Institute. It essentials the
walls at level by splashing of water from ground
thatch layers are plastered with specified mud
surfaces, attack by termites and pests, high
plasters making it durable and fire resistant.
maintenance requirements etc. These limitations can
be overcome by using compressed earths block and 2.1.5 Fiber Cement Composites
non-erodible mud plaster. From centuries, mankind has used the various natural
1) Compressed Earth Block fibres for a wide spectrum of applications ranging
The compressed earth block is the developed form from consumption to housing. In recent days many
of moulded earth block, more commonly known as researchers have explored the possibilities of using
the adobe block. This technology offers an economic, the natural fibre obtained from different plants, which
environment friendly masonry. Stabilized earth includes bagasse, cereal straw, corn stalk, cotton
blocks are manufactured by compacting raw material stalk, kenaf, rice husk/rice straw etc as an alternative
earth mixed with a stabilizer such as cement or lime building material. Due to the light weight, high
using manual soil press. strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and
2) Nonerodable Mud Plaster other advantages, natural fiber based composites are
Central Building Research Institute, India has devel- becoming important alternatives for building
oped an economical but effective process to protect materials for use in civil engineering fields. A few of
mud walls by applying non-erodible mud plaster. the important composites are summarized as under:
Non-erodible mud is prepared by mixing bitumen Table 1.
cutback (Bitumen & Kerosene oil mixture) with a Cement fiber composites are found to have superior
specified mud plaste. Nonerodible mud plastered properties as compared to concrete blocks. This is
walls are resistant to water erosion. Centre for mainly due to addition of fibers. The superior
Science for Villages, Wardha India has developed a properties comprise of better workability, resistance
technique of providing potter made tile lining to to cracking, lighter weight, high fracture toughness
mud-walls protecting them from rain and moisture. and a higher degree of flexibility. These properties
make it a suitable material for use in low cost
2.1.4 Straw construction. The performance profiles of some
Straw is basically an agricultural by-product which
important fibers produced in India are as Table 2.
comprises only of the plant stalks (mostly cereals)
1. Bagasse
after removal of grain and chaff. Rice straw has the
Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugar-
highest silica content making it the toughest amongst
cane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract their
all other cereal straws. Straw is considered as an
juice. Since bagasse is a by-product of the cane sugar
environmental problem as its burning causes
industry, the quantity of production in each country is
breathing problems. Straw and Straw bale have a
similar to the quantity of sugarcane produced. India
huge scope in India as it is one of the largest
has just over 500 sugar mills. With nine states (Uttar
producers of straw bale. 46% of total land (32,
Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana in the northern
87,590 sq·km) of India is agricultural land and out of
region;Maharashtra & Gujarat in the western region
a total population of 1, 17, 09, 38,000 people 58.4%
and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
are solely dependent upon agriculture as a means of
Ar.Vidya Ar. Radha
School Of Architecture School Of Architecture
DSATM DSATM
Bangalore, India Bangalore, India
Abstract: Since economical factors have influenced Information collected has been provided in the
the construction industry dramatically in recent subsequent sections. Low cost Housing materials can
years and in many parts of the world steel is scarce be broadly classified into natural materials and
and expensive, many researchers are searching for manmade materials according to the source of the
low-cost materials as a substitute or alternative for building materials.
the present situation. Recently, various materials
have shown promise for future use as a major 2.1. Natural Materials
construction material. The purpose of this paper is
to highlight alternative low-cost building materials 2.1.1 Random-straw or Coconut Fiber
for possible use in low-cost housing having Stabilized Soil
advantages on areas such as India where concrete Straw-soil mix is an ancient construction material and
or steel housing is expensive. has been used in many countries for years.
Application of modern geotechnical techniques to
Keywords: Building Material; Low-Cost Housing; this material can further improve both strength and
Sustainability durability. Results with silty clay using the standard
AASHTO Compaction procedure applied with the
1. Introduction tensile test show that for 1% by weight of straw, the
Green building has taken off in recent year with tensile strength increase three times than that soil
many builders and new home owners looking for new with no straw and also the soil-straw mix gives a high
and different methods of construction that can ductility behavior. The percent of straw increase to
potentially offset energy cost. Construction of low the tensile strength increase reaches an optimum
cost housing by using the low cost building materials condition approximately around 1.6% by weight and
increases the access to buildings by low income further increases of straw will decrease tensile
group peoples. Low cost housing can be achieved by strength. From wet-dry test results, the coconut fiber
use of efficient planning and project management, gives better durability. If a sulfur coating is applied to
low cost materials, economical construction the compacted straw-soil mix, better water resistance
technologies and use of alternate construction is gained. Straw-soil mix can also simulate the soil-
methods available. The profit gained from use of root system.
such methods can decrease the cost of construction
and make the low cost housing accessible to all. The 2.1.2 Bamboo
use of low cost alternate building materials also After China, India is the second largest in bamboo
prevents the rise of construction cost due to use of production. Coupled with China, it holds 50% of the
scarce building materials which eventually increase world’s total share of bamboo production. Of the
the cost of the project. Some alternative building total 136 species of bamboo occurring in India, 58
material can be made out of natural materials, while species spread out over 10 genera are endemic to the
others can help to lower energy costs of the occupant north eastern part of India alone (Sharma, 1987). The
once built. Regardless of what the goal of the builder forest area, over which bamboos occur in India, on a
is, alternative building material and their use is on the conservative estimate, is about 9.57 million hectares,
rise. which constitutes about 12.8% of the total area under
forests (Bahadur and Verma, 1980). Its widespread
2. Eco friendly and Alternative Building availability and rapid growth in areas of China, Japan
Material and India has made this grass an interesting structural
In addition to the conventionally used materials there material due to its affordability, easy assembly and
are various alternative technologies and materials relatively long durability. A bamboo hut was
developed by various research organizations, constructed in 1955 which was treated with 4 percent
innovators and manufacturers in India that are CCa and since it has no deterioration. But bamboo
beneficial in the housing construction. As part of this culms offer some disadvantage like Bambo has a
, circular profile which makes it inherently difficult to livelihood. So straw has high potential as an alternate
connect other members. Also Bamboo has no support building material. It is also fire resistant as it does not
in the middle as it is hollow there, hence it cannot be support combustion, is thermally insulated, has sound
subjected to high compressive forces perpendicular to and moisture insulation and is not toxic.
the culms face. The following are the profiles of some construction
Some ongoing bamboo product are: alternatives constructed with straws and straw bales.
Corrugated Bamboo Roofing Sheet: A successful Life Extended Thatch Roofing: It is one of the lo-
roofing material with a development of traditional cally available and environment friendly alternative
material comes from Bamboo Board. It is eco- for corrugated sheets. By treating it with copper
friendly, light- weight, strong and durable and has sulphate solution, its life can be extended by reducing
minimal fire hazard when compared to thatch and the effect of biodegradability. Additional layer of
other roofing materials. These sheets can be used for treatment on the roof surface using phosphorylated
roofing, walling, door and window shutters and other spray or CNSL oil imparts water proofing, fire
components in building construction. resistance, termite proofing and weathering resistance
(Developed by CBRI/RRL-TVM).
2.1.3 Earth Improved Thatch Roofing: In order to decrease the
Earth is the oldest building material known to
fire hazard of thatch roof and making it water
mankind. But its widespread use is hindered due to
repellent a treatment had been designed by the
the limitations like water penetration, erosion of
Central Building Re- search Institute. It essentials the
walls at level by splashing of water from ground
thatch layers are plastered with specified mud
surfaces, attack by termites and pests, high
plasters making it durable and fire resistant.
maintenance requirements etc. These limitations can
be overcome by using compressed earths block and 2.1.5 Fiber Cement Composites
non-erodible mud plaster. From centuries, mankind has used the various natural
1) Compressed Earth Block fibres for a wide spectrum of applications ranging
The compressed earth block is the developed form from consumption to housing. In recent days many
of moulded earth block, more commonly known as researchers have explored the possibilities of using
the adobe block. This technology offers an economic, the natural fibre obtained from different plants, which
environment friendly masonry. Stabilized earth includes bagasse, cereal straw, corn stalk, cotton
blocks are manufactured by compacting raw material stalk, kenaf, rice husk/rice straw etc as an alternative
earth mixed with a stabilizer such as cement or lime building material. Due to the light weight, high
using manual soil press. strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and
2) Nonerodable Mud Plaster other advantages, natural fiber based composites are
Central Building Research Institute, India has devel- becoming important alternatives for building
oped an economical but effective process to protect materials for use in civil engineering fields. A few of
mud walls by applying non-erodible mud plaster. the important composites are summarized as under:
Non-erodible mud is prepared by mixing bitumen Table 1.
cutback (Bitumen & Kerosene oil mixture) with a Cement fiber composites are found to have superior
specified mud plaste. Nonerodible mud plastered properties as compared to concrete blocks. This is
walls are resistant to water erosion. Centre for mainly due to addition of fibers. The superior
Science for Villages, Wardha India has developed a properties comprise of better workability, resistance
technique of providing potter made tile lining to to cracking, lighter weight, high fracture toughness
mud-walls protecting them from rain and moisture. and a higher degree of flexibility. These properties
make it a suitable material for use in low cost
2.1.4 Straw construction. The performance profiles of some
Straw is basically an agricultural by-product which
important fibers produced in India are as Table 2.
comprises only of the plant stalks (mostly cereals)
1. Bagasse
after removal of grain and chaff. Rice straw has the
Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugar-
highest silica content making it the toughest amongst
cane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract their
all other cereal straws. Straw is considered as an
juice. Since bagasse is a by-product of the cane sugar
environmental problem as its burning causes
industry, the quantity of production in each country is
breathing problems. Straw and Straw bale have a
similar to the quantity of sugarcane produced. India
huge scope in India as it is one of the largest
has just over 500 sugar mills. With nine states (Uttar
producers of straw bale. 46% of total land (32,
Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana in the northern
87,590 sq·km) of India is agricultural land and out of
region;Maharashtra & Gujarat in the western region
a total population of 1, 17, 09, 38,000 people 58.4%
and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
are solely dependent upon agriculture as a means of
