Past editions

EcoMaterials 2005: Connecting science with the grassroots

2005-05-13T13:56:24+00:00

Preparations are well underway for the upcoming third edition of the EcoMaterials Conferences, to be held in Santa Clara, Cuba in November. The article broadens the already existing information, including the accompanying events such as a Seminar on Earth Construction and a Workshop on Architecture, as well as the tour options within the program conference program.

Getting to know Nicaragua

2005-05-13T14:09:02+00:00

EcoSouth member Paul Moreno from Ecuador recently undertook a study visit to Nicaragua to get to know the network partner first hand. His time at SofoNic became an enrichment that brought life to the images and material he received for the website. His lively account of his experiences and impressions is covered in the accompany article.

Tsunamis

2005-05-13T14:19:59+00:00

After the tsunami disaster in Asia the world has become more aware of this natural phenomena. It is not a new theme for those in the research field in areas where tsunamis can occur, and Livan Hernandez of CECAT has done some investigation in this regard. EcoSouth is pleased to share his article that explains how Tsunamis develop and provides information about Tsunamis in recent historical periods.

Building Advisory Service extends in Namibia

2005-05-13T14:32:43+00:00

The idea of a Building Advisory Service has grown out of the Architect of the Community concept introduced by the Argentinean architect Rodolfo Livingston. The Clay House Project has been providing advice to a few private clients over the years. However, the high visibility of its squatter upgrading program has attracted many organizations and local governments and they have expressed interest in building with clay. Thus, the CHP is extending the advisory service to other parts of Namibia.

Standards for clay construction

2005-05-13T14:52:55+00:00

EcoSouth colleagues are working out proposals for standards for construction with clay. The first preoccupation is the question: "What has to be subject to standards?" Many think that the resistance of a clay brick to compression is the critical route, but it is scientifically known that in a wall it is not the brick that fails; rather almost always it is the meeting between the elements. Javier Quiñonez, director of investigation at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala, is perfecting a simple system that he has been using to measure the resistance to horizontal (shearing) forces in walls.

Consultation by e-mail between continents

2005-05-13T14:54:12+00:00

The Clay House Project in Namibia has detected some difficulties in the behavior of certain clays and currently are engaged in consultations with Latin America. Through e-mail interchanges between Peter Arndt in Africa and Sergio Betancourt in Cuba, the two colleagues are seeking to determine the causes step by step. They are analizing if it could be high salinity or the presence of guano in the clay that is causing the deterioration of the clay bricks after a time.

Importance of removing lime from MCR tiles alter water curing

2005-05-13T14:56:16+00:00

During a study visit to Ecuador, Fernando Cuadra from Nicaragua expanded his knowledge about MicroConcrete Roofing tile production. The young engineering student noted the importance of removing the lime that accumulates during the 7 days the MCR tiles rest in water. "The lime is released and remains and sediment on the tiles," said Fernando. "Consequently, any paint that is applied to the tile would have a limited life span. For this reason, they taught me that at the moment of removing the tile from the water, it is important to clean each tile with a piece of cloth, something like jeans, canvas, or even plastic, in order to remove the residues."