This project explored the possibility of using local soils for making compressed earth blocks for the construction of affordable residential buildings.

The blocks were made with a block press that delivers a high compressive effort. Blocks were also made from soils with 5% of Ordinary Portland cement and kenaf fiber, an agricultural fiber, respectively. Mortar and plaster were made from clayey soil and a blend of clay and cement. The blocks were tested for compressive strength and modulus of rupture. 

The results met code requirements for compressed earth block one-story housing construction. The durability of the blocks was also examined.