What is ADOBE?
Adobe is a commonly used natural building material in hot arid climates, such as here in Parras, Mexico. All the materials required to make adobe are earthen and can be found in the local area.
Adobe which consists of fiber, sand and clay provides strength and durability as a natural building material. Fiber, usually straw, provides tensile strength by weaving the clay and sand together and keeping them from separating. Similarly, clay adds adhesive strength and binds the materials together like an active glue. The sand is used to provide compressive strength which inhibits the mixture from compressing more than is desired.
An example of an adobe wall in Parras, Mexico
Californians making adobe in Parras, Mexico.
Check out these websites on adobe for further information: http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/adobe.htm (this one has book resources) http://www.elmerfudd.us/dp/adobe/brick.htm http://missiontour.org/related/adobe.htm
