Introduction
Our research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of Compressed Stabilized Earth Block (CSEB) systems as an affordable and durable housing typology in multiple environments. The structural, architectural, and economic feasibility of this type of structures is investigated under challenging climate conditions (e.g., humid and wet climates) and under different hazards (e.g., wind, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires).
Related Publications
- Kumar N and Barbato M (2017). “Compressed and stabilized earth blocks in Louisiana.” Proceedings (full paper), Earth USA 2017, September 29-October 1, 2017, Santa Fe, NM (USA). (Link)
- Kumar N, Barbato M and Holton R (2018). “Feasibility study of affordable earth masonry housing in the US Gulf Coast.” Journal of Architectural Engineering (ASCE), 24(2), April 2018. (Link)
- Holton R, Barbato M and Kumar N (2018). “Resilient and affordable housing for the US Gulf Coast: Earthen building materials re-appropriated for use in hot wet climates.” Proceedings (full paper), ARCC - EAAE 2018 International Conference, May 16-19, 2018, Philadelphia, PA (USA). (Link)
External Links
Earth Blocks: Feasibility Study for Low-Cost Hurricane-Resistant Buildings
Funded Projects Supporting this Research
- Feasibility study for low-cost hurricane-resistant residential buildings made of earth blocks
PI: Barbato, M. (34%)
Co-PI: Holton, R. (33%), Mishra, A.K. (33%)
Sponsor: LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio (CSS)
Program: New Projects Fund
Period: August 2014 - July 2015
- A novel hurricane-resistant housing construction system
PI: Barbato, M.
Co-PI: None
Sponsor: Louisiana Board of Regents, NSF EPSCoR, through LSU Graduate School
Program: Economic Development Assistantships (EDAs) 2013-2014
Period: August 2014 - July 2018
- Engineered Earth Masonry for Affordable Seismic Resistant Low-Rise Buildings
PI: Barbato, M.
Co-PI: None
Sponsor: NSF
Program: NEES RESEARCH
Period: September 2015 - August 2018