Message-ID: <199510301542.KAA42669@atlanta.american.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 07:42:00 -0800 From: mailto:khm1@AXE.HUMBOLDT.EDU> Subject: Re: Earthquake-resistant housing design To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
On Sun, 29 Oct 1995, Patrick L. Pierquet wrote:>
> Also, does anyone know where I can purchase some "rice-husk ash"? It is said to
> be an environmentally-friendly substitute for portland cement. I'd like to do
> some experimentation with this material.
>
I think you'll find that the ash is a *filler*, not a substitute for cement. Like the cinders ('fly ash') in cinder blocks. The place to find is a rice mill, where you can probably get bags of husk for a pittance. Toast it till it disintegrates and there you are. Nota bene: the ash is *very* fine and should be considered a hazard to your health. Wear a dust mask (at least) and check which way the wind's blowing when you toss it in your cement mixer. (It's also a good thermal insulator - some folks have been working on thermal-mass slow cookers with it. This info comes from NRECA:A. Inversin, 1995. New Designs for Rural Electrification: Private Sector Experiences in Nepal (Washington: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)
kerry