Utilization and end-users acceptability of compressed earth blocks (CEB) as wall panel for low cost housing

• Main Author: Eje, Juanito V.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1997
• Subjects: Blocks (Building materials); Wall panels; Housing; Civil Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1856
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study paves the way for the recognition and acceptance of using indigenous material as an alternative solution in the production of low cost housing to lower construction cost and housing backlogs. The study attempts to discover the utilization and end-user's acceptability of Compressed Earth Block (CEB). It aims to evaluate the performance of CEB as wall panel in the construction of low cost housing specifically in areas of production, utilization, construction, and end-user's perception on the acceptability of the product. The study uses a structured survey questionnaire as the primary data gathering instrument while ocular inspection of housing projects and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among housing developers as secondary instrument. Respondents are composed of three groups - CEB producers, technical people, and homeowners. The CEB technology in the Philippines, in its present position in the world, is still way behind in terms of skillful use of scientific and technological techniques, equipment and processes. CEB's limited exposure can be traced to factors such as the very limited producers of CEB the lack of promotion, and marketing strategies among producers the lack of awareness of the technology among mass housing developers the non-availability of equipment and the quality of the soil itself. In terms of utilization, the study revealed that the CEB is underutilized despite being used for house construction for the past eight years. However, using CEB over CHB reduces the cost of housing construction by 10 to 20 percent of the total material and labor cost. Moreover, acceptability in terms of acquisition cost of housing unit using CEB as wall panels, and the quality of workmanship are generally acceptable. Despite some defects observed in the housing units, a high percentage (91 percent) of respondents is satisfied and contented. In view of the above observation, research and development related to technology that will focus on the use of indigenous materials and improvement or modification of the product to suit local conditions should be done by the government. To upgrade the quality so that it can compete with both conventional and new technologies coming from abroad, there is a need to establish standards and norms for CEB. Considering its higher compressive strength, CEB can be explored to its full potential (such as using it as load bearing wall thus eliminating the use of columns and beams) to significantly reduce the cost of house construction. To gain its market share and make a significant contribution to the housing industry, CEB should be linked to the government's National Shelter Program. Finally, manpower training and adopting a good approach to the design and execution of the earth structure are hereby recommended.