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Sun-dried mud bricks and blocks are
environmentally friendly, with one of the lowest energy requirements
of any building material. They are used all over the world in areas
of low rainfall, but also in wetter areas, provided
that waterproof protection is applied. Read more about blockmaking
at the bottom of this page.
This clip shows mud blocks
being made in one of the compounds visited in February 2005. The
great majority of family compound buildings are built of mud blocks,
as cement is too expensive, and these blocks were for an additional
bedroom. A small hole is dug in the ground and water poured in. The
soil and water are then mixed until the correct consistency is
achieved. If the soil is too wet the blocks will collapse, whereas
if it is too dry the finished blocks will have cracks and soon fall
apart. When the mixture is ready it is shovelled onto a sheet and
then transported to the drying area. The soil mixer now has a rest
whilst his colleague forms the blocks. A simple metal mould is
placed in position and the block maker takes a large handful of the
mixture, rolls it to give a light covering of dust and then throws
it into the mould, this is repeated until the mould is full and then
the top surface is hand finished by patting and levelling. Finally
the mould is removed and placed alongside ready to make the next
block. There is obviously considerable skill involved with making
sound, long lasting blocks. The mixture must be correct, the mould
needs to be filled properly to eliminate air pockets and cracks and
then it must be removed carefully to avoid damage to the block. Then
after two days of drying in the sunshine the blocks are ready to
use.
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