 | Appropriate Building Materials: a Catalogue of Potential Solutions (SKAT, 1988, 430 p.) |
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Gypsum-sisal conoid
KEYWORDS:
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Special properties |
Innovative material and design |
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Economical aspects |
Low to medium costs |
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Stability |
Good |
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Skills required |
Special training |
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Equipment required |
Simple wooden framework |
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Resistance to earthquake |
Good |
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Resistance to hurricane |
Good, if protected from rain |
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Resistance to rain |
Low |
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Resistance to insects |
Good |
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Climatic suitability |
Dry climates |
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Stage of experience |
Experimental |
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
· This is an experimental unit, developed by Prof. Roberto Mattone and Gloria Pasero at the Turin Polytechnic, Italy.
· The conoid unit has a shape which makes it suitable for use as roofing as well as wall components.
· The aim was to produce a strong, versatile component from gypsum and sisal (which are abundantly available in some regions), using simple formwork and equipment.
· Laboratory tests showed a good strength to weight performance, since the fibres have high tensile strength and bond well with the gypsum. Furthermore, resistance to fire and biological attack is good.
· The main drawback is the solubility of gypsum in water, which calls for a completely waterproof surface protection.
Further information: Prof. Roberto Mattone, Facolta di Architettura, Politecnico di Torino,
Viale Mattioli 39, Torino 10125, Italy; Bibl. 23.15.
Preparing the formwork: the timber
frame is filled with broken bricks and stone, first large pieces, then small
pieces and finally a fine sand, which is smoothed to the desired shape, and
covered with a polythene sheet. On this the gypsum-sisal mortar is spread to
form the conoid.
Potential assembly of the
modules