An Experimental Investigation on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies in Ethiopia

Ethiopian rural traditional house construction technique called chikka-bet is primarily dependant on woods which causes large scale deforestation. People have started looking for alternative materials and technologies such as concrete housing. However, cement, the primary material of concrete is a major producer of greenhouse gases. This paper presents an alternative construction technology for rural mud housing called Adobe which utilizes locally available soil and agro wastes. In addition, materials that are abundantly available in Ethiopia such as bermuda grass ash, granite powder, crusher dust, and sisal fibres possess the potential to be used as sustainable cementing materials, fine aggregates, and fibres. In this research, these materials have been experimentally tested for their suitability as construction materials by conducting several strength and durability. It is evident from the experimental results that adobe prepared with soil, 3.5% cement, and 1.5% teff straws possess excellent strength and durability. Experimental results have also revealed that the addition of bermuda grass ash and granite powder up to 10% of cement volume enhances the strength and durability of conventional concrete. Utilization of crusher dust 50% of the replacement of sand has been proved to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The addition of sisal fibre which is up to 1% by volume has been proved to resist the tensile cracks in concrete. So the researchers and policymakers must ensure that these alternative techniques and materials reach the common man and construction industry for a sustainable solution for construction activities in Ethiopia.