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Conceptual artist Rafa Esparza argues that adobe bricks are loaded with meaning and represent ethnic Mexican heritage and communion with land through Chicanx ritual labor. Our ethnographic experiences in northern New Mexico and our pedagogical and research work in experimental archaeology in California confirm Esparza’s assertion. Among traditional Chicanx villages in New Mexico, adobe construction serves to reinforce community relations. Among Chicanx college students, constructing experimental earthen ovens in the California laboratory creates new student communities and validates familial and social memories of adobe making in ancestral homelands. Bringing together initially separate research threads, we consider adobe’s culturally sustaining capacity and its potential in scientific archaeological research as inextricable facets of the same research-teaching system we now call ChicanXperimental archaeology. This article plants three interrelated seeds in that vein, offering starting points for: (1) a culturally sustaining college teaching model centered on adobe making; (2) a replicable experimental adobe oven construction and testing model with field-applicable results; and (3) project expansion to California elementary school classrooms with the same pedagogical and scientific goals in mind. We invite our readers, especially archaeologists and K-12 teachers, to explore and experiment alongside us, providing an experimental oven blueprint and suggestions as to prospects and best practices for both sides of this project.

Copyright of Online Journal of Art & Design is the property of Online Journal of Art & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Human activity and natural events may deteriorate or destroy archaeological sites. Mitigation is therefore a priority for their preservation. Pachacamac Museum has developed programs for research and conservation since 2008. The archaeological sanctuary of Pachacamac (second–sixteenth century), which consists of buildings made from adobe, roads, enclosures, and platforms, is located along the semi-arid central coast of Peru and was damaged in about 600 due to intense rain related to a major sixth-century El Niño event. More recent damage occurred during the 1925–26 El Niño episode. The Templo del Sol (fifteenth–sixteenth centuries) is one of the main adobe constructions, located on a hill about 60 m high. Orthophotogrammetric data was obtained for the Templo del Sol, to construct a 3 cm resolution digital surface model (DSM) and an orthoimage. Morphometric analysis of the DSM using hydrological and geomorphological quantitative parameters identified areas subjected to water flow or pooling during rainfall, and exposure of the building to wind and solar radiation, the latter responsible for the deterioration of painted walls. Areas of potential collapse were identified. This provides quantitative data for the planning, design, and execution of activities to preserve the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pioneers of sustainable architecture began to question the international style of modernity with regard to its ecological qualities in the 1970s. In the decades that followed, the environmental issue was treated as a crisis. Today, there is no doubt about understanding our time as a major turning point in climate change. Since half of the energy used by humans worldwide is consumed in buildings, the topic of green architecture is essential. In the history of architecture, we find numerous examples that can be inspiring for solutions to today's problems. This work intends to investigate the sustainability aspects of mosque architecture from its beginning to the present day. In the introduction, the development of Islamic architecture in relation to environmental awareness is discussed. This is followed by supraregional aspects of sustainable Islamic architecture, which are analyzed under the following focal points: multifunctionality, natural materials, natural lighting and ventilation, sustainable design strategies, cultural sustainability, and finally, environmentally friendly and energy-conscious design in modern times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For past societies on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most prolific architectures was earthen construction, with a wealth of typologies and solutions derived from the legacy of local construction and materials. However, its study within the field of archaeology has been limited. The challenges posed by conservation, archaeological identification and social recognition have traditionally limited the dissemination of this type of architecture. Its low profile is perceived as fragile once the original protections collapse. The ethnological information preserved and linked to past ways of life and societies is crucial to the interpretation of the cultural development handed down over generations by different communities and now transmitted to the general public through archaeological sites. This research aims to provide an overview of the main earthen vestiges from domestic, productive and funerary architecture dating from the prehistoric, protohistoric, Roman and medieval periods. For this, a bibliographical review and data collection through fieldwork were conducted for numerous case studies. These included the classification of materials, compositions and construction techniques, creating an integrated comprehensive database with information on geography, measurements and the general state of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong seismic events frequently strike Chile. The last three significant events that caused considerable damage and losses are the 2010 ( M w 8.8, Maule), 2014 ( M w 8.2, Iquique), and 2015 ( M w 8.3, Illapel) earthquakes. Therefore, reliable fragility curves are necessary to evaluate the threat of earthquakes to the built environment. This study aims to develop empirical fragility curves of Chilean houses using damage from the 2014 and 2015 earthquakes. The data from 9085 and 7431 damaged houses from the 2014 and 2015 earthquakes, respectively, was obtained by the government. The fragility curves were estimated for reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, timber, and adobe houses. Additionally, the fragility curves were constructed using three different Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) maps to quantify the variation of the fragility parameters based on the selected PGA map and to identify which PGA map generates the highest correlation with observed damage. Additionally, fragility curves obtained in this study are compared with curves from other studies. The median θ values of the fragility curves obtained in this study are larger than those from other reported studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For past societies on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most prolific architectures was earthen construction, with a wealth of typologies and solutions derived from the legacy of local construction and materials. However, its study within the field of archaeology has been limited. The challenges posed by conservation, archaeological identification and social recognition have traditionally limited the dissemination of this type of architecture. Its low profile is perceived as fragile once the original protections collapse. The ethnological information preserved and linked to past ways of life and societies is crucial to the interpretation of the cultural development handed down over generations by different communities and now transmitted to the general public through archaeological sites. This research aims to provide an overview of the main earthen vestiges from domestic, productive and funerary architecture dating from the prehistoric, protohistoric, Roman and medieval periods. For this, a bibliographical review and data collection through fieldwork were conducted for numerous case studies. These included the classification of materials, compositions and construction techniques, creating an integrated comprehensive database with information on geography, measurements and the general state of conservation.

The present study is based on the characterisation of adobe blocks of the central region of Portugal. It is recognised that the safeguarding of the existing building stock of constructions in the traditional adobe construction technique, through different levels interventions, should also preserve the historical and cultural identity of the area as well as the traditional construction techniques, starting from the ground itself. Soil, as a repository of valuable information on the history of the site, underpins the conservation and preservation process. However, the soil is a local expression of the site, and a precise knowledge of its characteristics is necessary to hypothesise building recovery strategies. For this reason, the characteristics of adobe blocks from old buildings in the village of Torres in Anadia, in a rural area that has not yet been the subject of scientific research, were evaluated. These adobe blocks were taken from the buildings to be used in the laboratory to determine the similar mixing rates for the new adobe mixtures by analysing the material's chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as its particle size distribution. In the study area, a wetland was identified characterised by a notable presence of vegetation, namely bunho and junco (Schoenoplectus lacustris L.). These fibres, which can be assimilated to Typha, are wild aquatic plants that can impair the biodiversity of wetlands but which, used as reinforcement for the production of adobe bricks, can stimulate new, more sustainable forms of economy in in the area, which is classified as rural. The fibres were divided into two groups of 10–30 mm and 30–60 mm in length, and compositions with an additional 1 to 3% of fibres were formulated. This experimental approach was useful for understanding how the length and quantity of these fibres influence the performance of the material, thus contributing to improving knowledge about the behaviour of adobe blocks in relation to the incorporation of vegetable fibre reinforcement. The research findings reveal that the length of the fibres and percentage of incorporation have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of the material, particularly in relation to its compressive strength up to 50%. The tested formulations were also assessed with respect to capillarity, for which most of the formulations were classified as weakly capillary, with a capillary index (Cb) of less than 20. With respect to thermal conductivity, the incorporation of fibres led to a reduction of up to 20%. The characterisations demonstrate that the optimisation of adobe is the initial stage in attaining comprehensive insight into the heritage of traditional construction in the central region of Portugal, with a particular focus on the village of Torres and the ancient adobe construction technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, adobe has been essential to many cultures, but its vulnerability to climate and load-bearing limitations have led to research into new natural materials to improve it. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of prickly pear gum on the physical and mechanical properties of adobe reinforced with palm fiber. Peruvian standard E.080 was used for adobe preparation under an experimental design, preparing samples with 5, 10, 15 and 20% of prickly pear gum (PPG) to replace the volume of water, reinforcing it with 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of palm fiber (PF) by weight of the soil, carrying out tests to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the adobe under study. The results revealed that the optimal dosage was 15% PPG + 0.5% PF, suction and warping decreased by 27% and 3.4% respectively, and absorption increased by 68% compared to the control design. Compression strength in masonry unit, flexural strength in masonry unit, compressive strength in prisms, and diagonal shear strength walls showed significant increases of 24.47, 98, 24.39, and 73.4%, respectively, compared to the control design. It was concluded that the use of PPG and PF provides significant benefits to the physical and mechanical properties of adobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive literature review investigates the impact of stabilization and reinforcement techniques on the mechanical, hygrothermal properties, and durability of adobe and compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Recent advancements in understanding these properties have spurred a burgeoning body of research, prompting a meticulous analysis of 70 journal articles and conference proceedings. The selection criteria focused on key parameters including construction method (block type), incorporation of natural fibers or powders, partial or complete cement replacement, pressing techniques, and block preparation methods (adobe or CEB). The findings unearth several significant trends. Foremost, there is a prevailing interest in utilizing waste materials, such as plant matter, construction and demolition waste, and mining by-products, to fortify or stabilize earth blocks. Additionally, the incorporation of natural fibers manifests in a discernible reduction in crack size attributable to shrinkage, accompanied by enhancements in durability, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of methodological coherence among researchers to facilitate scalable and transposable results. Challenges emerge from the variability in base soil granulometry and disparate research standards, necessitating concerted efforts to harness findings effectively. Furthermore, this review illuminates a gap in complete lifecycle analyses of earthen structures, underscoring the critical necessity for further research to address this shortfall. It emphasizes the urgent need for deeper exploration of properties and sustainability indicators, recognizing the inherent potential and enduring relevance of earthen materials in fostering sustainable development. This synthesis significantly contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field and underscores the continued importance of earth-based construction methodologies in contemporary sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on earth bricks (adobe) used in ancient earth constructions in the region of Boussaâda, located in the southeast of northern Algeria. The objective is to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties, including compressive and shear strength, as well as the thermal characteristics of these bricks, with the aim of promoting their use on a large scale. The results of the physical and identification analyses showed that the bricks studied are silty sands. The compression tests gave an average compressive strength of 0.2 MPa. The shear tests gave an average cohesion of 172.22 kPa and an average internal friction angle of 63.92°. The average thermal conductivity is 0.7291 W/m.K. The results obtained show that Boussaâda earth bricks have satisfactory physical and mechanical characteristics. The compressive strength is low, but it is sufficient for the construction of one or two storey buildings. Cohesion and internal friction angle are satisfactory for the stability of brick walls. The thermal conductivity is low, which makes Boussaâda earth bricks good thermal insulators. The results obtained reveal that the composition of these adobes can be used to make quality bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Engineering Research & Development (IJERAD) is the property of International Journal of Engineering Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In September 2017, two strong earthquakes hit the central region of Mexico, producing substantial damage to the historical buildings. A retroactive analysis for assessing the pre-event seismic vulnerability of these constructions allowed for testing the suitability of an existing parameter-based approach based on material and geometrical features. More than 160 adobe buildings in four municipalities of the State of Morelos were surveyed and included in a vulnerability-oriented GIS database. Data were collected on-site and managed by resorting to open-source GIS software combined with a Python-based database management tool and a cloud-based platform for onsite data collection using mobile devices. The parameter-based approach was used for assessing the analytical seismic vulnerability of the buildings and implementing a secondary, more conservative assessment that considers uncertainties associated with the data acquisition process. The capabilities of the database were further used to train a Machine Learning algorithm aimed at overcoming some representativeness limitations of the parameter-based analytical method. This third approach was found to be suitable for assessing the vulnerability of the building typologies addressed in this investigation. Although the implementation discussed in this paper is limited to a specific vernacular typology, it can be used to conduct customized local calibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive literature review investigates the impact of stabilization and reinforcement techniques on the mechanical, hygrothermal properties, and durability of adobe and compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Recent advancements in understanding these properties have spurred a burgeoning body of research, prompting a meticulous analysis of 70 journal articles and conference proceedings. The selection criteria focused on key parameters including construction method (block type), incorporation of natural fibers or powders, partial or complete cement replacement, pressing techniques, and block preparation methods (adobe or CEB). The findings unearth several significant trends. Foremost, there is a prevailing interest in utilizing waste materials, such as plant matter, construction and demolition waste, and mining by-products, to fortify or stabilize earth blocks. Additionally, the incorporation of natural fibers manifests in a discernible reduction in crack size attributable to shrinkage, accompanied by enhancements in durability, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of methodological coherence among researchers to facilitate scalable and transposable results. Challenges emerge from the variability in base soil granulometry and disparate research standards, necessitating concerted efforts to harness findings effectively. Furthermore, this review illuminates a gap in complete lifecycle analyses of earthen structures, underscoring the critical necessity for further research to address this shortfall. It emphasizes the urgent need for deeper exploration of properties and sustainability indicators, recognizing the inherent potential and enduring relevance of earthen materials in fostering sustainable development. This synthesis significantly contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field and underscores the continued importance of earth-based construction methodologies in contemporary sustainable practices.

En este artículo presentamos los resultados del estudio de los elementos de tierra endurecida recuperados en el asentamiento de Turó de la Font de la Canya, situado en Avinyonet del Penedès, en la provincia de Barcelona. En este enclave se ha registrado una ocupación entre los ss. VII y II a. C., con distintas edificaciones y numerosas estructuras negativas. Esta investigación ha permitido sacar a la luz el empleo constructivo de diferentes materiales y técnicas centradas en el uso de la tierra, que convivieron en las edificaciones del asentamiento, desde las llamadas técnicas mixtas, al adobe. Además, el uso del barro se registra también en la manufactura de bienes no constructivos, como los elementos muebles. El estudio de este tipo de materiales revela la notable variabilidad por la que suelen caracterizarse, contando con un enorme interés para la investigación. También los desafíos en su interpretación, especialmente acusados para los procedentes de deposiciones secundarias, como en el caso que aquí se presenta.

Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, their physical conservation, essential for efficiently ensuring information with precision, poses a serious challenge for the various professionals involved, as numerous social and anthropic risks threaten long-term preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Of all traditional building materials, earth is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive to loss in the absence of the original protection systems, so that a precise assessment of its threats is essential to minimizing the destruction of these non-renewable assets. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most determining human risk factors within the territorial scope of the Iberian Peninsula, including aspects such as its musealization, suitable interpretation, visit planning, agricultural land use, vandalism and rural depopulation. This is achieved through a literature review and on-site data collection from 85 archaeological sites, as well as the development of an analysis tool to assess the degree of vulnerability, aiming to develop prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the restoration or rehabilitation of traditional buildings, compatible materials with known characteristics must be used. However, the existing literature lacks comprehensive studies on the characterisation of Persian mud–straw plaster, focusing primarily on Persian adobe. Moreover, previous research on Persian adobe has primarily employed XRF and XRD tests, neglecting ion chromatography, moisture sorption isotherm determination, and thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry. Consequently, there is a shortage of information regarding the elemental composition, mineralogical characteristics, moisture sorption behaviour, and thermal properties of Persian mud–straw plaster, as well as Persian adobe bricks. This paper aims to address this research gap by examining historical and new adobe bricks and mud–straw plaster used in Iran, utilising a comprehensive array of analytical techniques. The results from XRF analysis reveal relatively similar chemical compositions across all samples, while XRD analysis indicates predominantly similar mineral phases. Ion chromatography results demonstrate higher conductivity and chloride concentrations in the mud–straw samples than the adobe samples, with higher values for new samples than historical ones. Freshly used straw, clay, or soil may have higher chloride concentrations caused by the arid climate and soil salinisation in the area. Additionally, moisture sorption isotherm determination results show that adobe and mud–straw plaster with a higher salt load of chlorides have significantly higher moisture absorption. The increased straw quantity in the samples increases the moisture content. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that, at low heating, adobe and mud–straw plaster lose water due to dehydration, and at high heating, they lose carbon dioxide due to decarboxylation. The comprehensive characterisation of Persian adobe and mud–straw plaster in this study fills a significant gap in the literature and offers invaluable insights for informing restoration and rehabilitation processes, ensuring the compatibility of the materials used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been great interest in sustainable construction, which has led to an increased interest in 3D printing or additive manufacturing. However, the use of this technique with conventional materials is not enough to reduce the large environmental impact generated by the construction sector. Although most of the research and advances are focused on the 3D printing of Portland concrete, this review has been oriented towards the 3D printing of building materials based on soils and clays, which can provide an affordable (as it is a locally available material in many regions of the planet), environmentally sustainable, and low-cost approach, which is highly beneficial for housing construction. This paper has been oriented towards the search of scientific literature and prototypes that have been elaborated using ancestral materials, such as soil-clay-sand-sand-fibers like straw and water, for the elaboration of constructive pieces such as 3D printed walls or adobes. The objective of this paper is to close the gap on the use of mixtures based on soils, which, although they seem to have been fully studied for several centuries, to date their application in 3D printing is reduced. Readjustments in properties of soil mixtures such as fluidity for pumping or extrusion, buildability and good working time are variables that are reported in this paper. In addition, this review describes the mixtures that have been developed for 3D printing from soils and clays, and the main characteristics that have been found. Finally, the challenges that still remain for the blends to be applied on a massive industrial scale are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adobe construction is a longstanding practice in South America and is characterized by its affordability, accessibility, and ecological sustainability. However, the decision-making process regarding the choice of construction materials often relies on subjective factors, disregarding economic implications throughout the life cycle of a building. This study aimed to introduce life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) as a valuable tool for optimizing decision making in the context of adobe construction materials in South America. This study emphasizes the significance of considering the life-cycle costs associated with adobe construction materials and their impact on decision-making processes. A comprehensive case study was conducted in South America to examine the various adobe construction scenarios. The life-cycle costs of different adobe materials and their associated maintenance strategies were assessed over a period of several decades, considering factors such as material acquisition, construction, maintenance, and repair. The values used in this study are specific to Ecuador, the country where the investigation was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existe en la Quebrada de Humahuaca en Jujuy un sentido común asumido asociado al uso del color tierra en las construcciones, por lo que se propone indagar a través de herramientas de la etnografía, el modo en que se constituyó esta idea, partiendo de la creación pictórica y su abordaje de aspectos culturales y naturales, mediante una paleta de colores cálidos. Esta propuesta estética se desarrolló de la mano de un proceso de valoración patrimonial con énfasis en las construcciones históricas y con fuerte presencia del adobe. Resulta de interés observar cómo el proceso de patrimonialización de la región se articuló con el avance del turismo, potenciando la creación de un paisaje cultural. En este marco, el color del adobe se configuró como un condensador de sentidos y valores positivos, al punto de convertirse en criterio de regulación en forma de normativas municipales. Sin embargo, el artículo propone distinguir otros modos respecto al uso del color en la actualidad, que se desprende de las lógicas de armonía y preservación asociado al color del adobe. El uso de tonos vibrantes y contrastantes con el entorno suscita pensar el paisaje de la Quebrada de Humahuaca no como un continuo lineal sino como un proceso con continuidades, discontinuidades y solapamientos.

En los últimos años, se ha generado gran interés en la construcción sostenible, lo que ha llevado a un mayor interés en la impresión 3D o manufactura aditiva. Sin embargo, el uso de esta técnica con materiales convencionales no es suficiente para disminuir el gran impacto ambiental que genera el sector de la construcción. Aunque la mayoría de las investigaciones y avances están centralizadas en la impresión 3D de concreto Portland, esta revisión se ha trabajado orientada hacia la impresión 3D de materiales de construcción basados en suelos y arcillas, los con los cuales se puede proporcionar un enfoque asequible (ya que es un material localmente disponible en muchas regiones del planeta), sostenible ambientalmente, y con bajo costo, lo cual es altamente beneficioso para la construcción de viviendas. Este documento se ha orientado hacia la búsqueda de literatura científica y prototipos que se han elaborado utilizando materiales ancestrales, como son suelos-arcillas-arena-fibras como paja y agua, para elaboración de piezas constructivas tipo muros o adobes impresos en 3D. El objetivo de este documento es cerrar la brecha sobre la utilización de mezclas basadas en suelos, que, aunque parezcan totalmente estudiadas por varios siglos, a la fecha su aplicación en impresión 3D es reducida. Reajustes en propiedades de las mezclas de suelos como la fluidez para el bombeo o extrusión, edificabilidad y buen tiempo de trabajo, son variables que se reportan en este documento. Además, en esta revisión se describen las mezclas que han sido desarrolladas para impresión 3D a partir de suelos y arcillas, y las principales características que se han encontrado. Finalmente, se presentan los desafíos que aún persisten para que las mezclas puedan aplicarse a una escala industrial masiva.

Günümüzde, doğal, biyolojik, teknolojik ve sosyal afetler, toplumların normal yaşam düzenini bozan ve onun uyum sağlama kapasitesini aşarak yardıma gereksinim duyuran olaylardır. Toprak/hava/su kirliliği, salgın hastalıklar, nükleer/radyolojik/kimyasal kazalar, savaş, terör saldırıları ve göç gibi afetlerin bir kısmı direk insan kaynaklıdır. Bu değerlendirmeyle deprem gibi doğal afetlerde, depremlerin ani ve beklenmeyen bir zamanda olmaları sebebiyle, insan faktörü az etkili görülmektedir. Ancak gerekli mühendislik ve mimarlık hizmeti almış yapılar depremlerle uyumlu davranış sergileyebilmektedir. Bu makalede depremde insan kaynaklı faktörlerin sebep olduğu yıkım, İran’ın Bam kenti bağlamında ele alınmıştır. UNESCO Dünya Mirası Listesi’nde yer alan Bam, önemli tarihi ve kültürel mekânlarıyla İran'ın öne çıkan şehirlerindendir. 2003 yılında meydana gelen 6.6 büyüklüğündeki deprem, kentteki dini ve tarihi yapıları yıkıcı bir şekilde etkilemiştir. Bu makalede kentin önemli yapıları arasındaki Arg-ı Bam(Bam Kalesi), Ulu Camii ve Hanasayi Fabrikası'nın insan kaynaklı tasarım faktörlerinden nasıl etkilendiği ve deprem dirençli hale getirilmeleri süreci, yapım tekniği ve kerpiç malzeme bağlamında açıklanmıştır.

Copyright of Journal of Arabian Sciences Heritage is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The housing sector today uses elaborate materials such as cement, iron, sand, often prohibitively expensive and whose production generates a strong environmental impact (scarcity of resources, transport, greenhouse gas greenhouse, etc.). In order to meet the challenges of sustainable development, earth construction is experiencing a resurgence of interest these days. Despite its many advantages, raw earth material has drawbacks, in particular its low mechanical resistance and its loss of geometric characteristics in the face of water, which slow down its development. As part of this study, the mechanical characteristics and durability of raw earth were improved by using residual water from the processing of Parkia Biglobosa (nere) and Vitellaria Paradoxa (shea) nuts in order to optimize its use for the construction of modern buildings. To this end, the decoctions resulting from the artisanal transformation of the nut of the Parkia Biglobosa into African mustard and of the Vitellaria Paradoxa into shea butter were added to the raw earth according to volume proportions of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the aqueous solution to obtain the projected composites. Thus, mechanical characterization and durability tests were carried out on the composites obtained. The results revealed that the decoctions of Vitellaria Paradoxa and Parkia Biglobosa improve the compressive strength of the material by up to 90% and 260%, respectively. Furthermore, these decoctions improved the resistance to water penetration of the 100% additive composite by 1.5 times for Vitellaria Paradoxa and 5 times for Parkia Biglobosa. This study shows that it is possible to use decoctions as raw earth stabilizers to build modern, ecological buildings at lower energy costs. However, more in-depth studies on surface wettability and long-term durability are planned to better characterize the geomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently published modeling approach for the penetration into adobe and previous approaches implicitly criticized are reviewed and discussed.This article contains a note on the paper titled “Ballistic model for the prediction of penetration depth and residual velocity in adobe: A new interpretation of the ballistic resistance of earthen masonry” (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2018.07.017). Reply to the Note from Li Piani et al is linked to this article.

En este trabajo se evalúa la factibilidad de emplear la arena y arcilla residuales generados por la minería de arena para fabricar bloques de tierra comprimida (BTC) y adobes. Para ello, se caracterizaron los subproductos generados por una mina en la provincia de Río Negro (Argentina) y se confeccionaron diferentes series de probetas, determinando su retracción por secado, densidad seca, resistencia a compresión y resistencia a erosión húmeda. Los resultados indican que, con una dosificación en peso de 74.25% arcilla, 24.75% arena y un 1% de paja, pueden producirse adobes portantes con una resistencia a compresión de 18.63 kgf/cm2, mientras que, empleando una dosificación de 71.3% de arcilla, 23.7% arena y 5% de cemento Portland, pueden producirse BTC con una resistencia a compresión superior a 30 kgf/cm2 y una elevada resistencia a la erosión húmeda, aptos para emplearse en la construcción de muros de carga y muros exteriores sin revoque.

The present study is based on the characterisation of adobe blocks of the central region of Portugal. It is recognised that the safeguarding of the existing building stock of constructions in the traditional adobe construction technique, through different levels interventions, should also preserve the historical and cultural identity of the area as well as the traditional construction techniques, starting from the ground itself. Soil, as a repository of valuable information on the history of the site, underpins the conservation and preservation process. However, the soil is a local expression of the site, and a precise knowledge of its characteristics is necessary to hypothesise building recovery strategies. For this reason, the characteristics of adobe blocks from old buildings in the village of Torres in Anadia, in a rural area that has not yet been the subject of scientific research, were evaluated. These adobe blocks were taken from the buildings to be used in the laboratory to determine the similar mixing rates for the new adobe mixtures by analysing the material’s chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as its particle size distribution. In the study area, a wetland was identified characterised by a notable presence of vegetation, namely bunho and junco (Schoenoplectus lacustris L.). These fibres, which can be assimilated to Typha, are wild aquatic plants that can impair the biodiversity of wetlands but which, used as reinforcement for the production of adobe bricks, can stimulate new, more sustainable forms of economy in in the area, which is classified as rural. The fibres were divided into two groups of 10–30 mm and 30–60 mm in length, and compositions with an additional 1 to 3% of fibres were formulated. This experimental approach was useful for understanding how the length and quantity of these fibres influence the performance of the material, thus contributing to improving knowledge about the behaviour of adobe blocks in relation to the incorporation of vegetable fibre reinforcement. The research findings reveal that the length of the fibres and percentage of incorporation have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of the material, particularly in relation to its compressive strength up to 50%. The tested formulations were also assessed with respect to capillarity, for which most of the formulations were classified as weakly capillary, with a capillary index (Cb) of less than 20. With respect to thermal conductivity, the incorporation of fibres led to a reduction of up to 20%. The characterisations demonstrate that the optimisation of adobe is the initial stage in attaining comprehensive insight into the heritage of traditional construction in the central region of Portugal, with a particular focus on the village of Torres and the ancient adobe construction technique.

The digital media software (DMS) industry is an important yet relatively underexplored industry in terms of dynamics, evolution, market potential and growth opportunities. Using Adobe as an exemplar, this case highlights the evolution of the DMS industry with a focus on Adobe's key business segments, business model and business strategy – product diversification and inorganic expansion – specifically capturing Adobe's response to changing market needs. Why Adobe made an important yet risky strategic decision to transition from the time-tested perpetual licence price model to a cloud and subscription-based pricing model is the primary focus of this case. We cover the contextual imperatives that caused this strategic shift and the repercussions of the strategic decision on Adobe's overall performance and future growth trajectory. This case attempts to familiarize readers with the dynamics of the DMS industry and allow them to assess Adobe's customer value proposition and business models by utilizing concepts and frameworks from the strategy, technological innovation and platform business domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adobe has been used globally for millennia. In the US Southwest, cultural heritage sites made of adobe materials have lasted hundreds of years in an arid/semi-arid environment. A common prediction across multiple climate change models, however, is that rainfall intensity will increase in the US Southwest. This increased erosivity threatens the long-term protection and preservation of these sites, and thus resource managers are faced with selecting effective conservation practices. For this reason, modeling tools are needed to predict climate change impacts and plan for adaptation strategies. Many existing strategies, including patching damaged areas, building protective caps and shelter coating walls are already commonly utilized. In this study, we modeled adobe block construction, subjected extant walls to a local 100-year return interval rainfall intensity, and tested earthen-coat-based strategies to minimize the deterioration of earthen fabric. Findings from the resultant linear models indicate that the patching of earthen architecture alone will not prevent substantial damage, while un-amended encapsulation coats and caps provide similar, and significantly greater protection than patching. The use of this model will enable local heritage resource managers to better target preservation methods for a return on investment of the material and labor costs, resulting in better preservation overall and the retention of culturally valuable resources.

In the restoration or rehabilitation of traditional buildings, compatible materials with known characteristics must be used. However, the existing literature lacks comprehensive studies on the characterisation of Persian mud–straw plaster, focusing primarily on Persian adobe. Moreover, previous research on Persian adobe has primarily employed XRF and XRD tests, neglecting ion chromatography, moisture sorption isotherm determination, and thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry. Consequently, there is a shortage of information regarding the elemental composition, mineralogical characteristics, moisture sorption behaviour, and thermal properties of Persian mud–straw plaster, as well as Persian adobe bricks. This paper aims to address this research gap by examining historical and new adobe bricks and mud–straw plaster used in Iran, utilising a comprehensive array of analytical techniques. The results from XRF analysis reveal relatively similar chemical compositions across all samples, while XRD analysis indicates predominantly similar mineral phases. Ion chromatography results demonstrate higher conductivity and chloride concentrations in the mud–straw samples than the adobe samples, with higher values for new samples than historical ones. Freshly used straw, clay, or soil may have higher chloride concentrations caused by the arid climate and soil salinisation in the area. Additionally, moisture sorption isotherm determination results show that adobe and mud–straw plaster with a higher salt load of chlorides have significantly higher moisture absorption. The increased straw quantity in the samples increases the moisture content. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that, at low heating, adobe and mud–straw plaster lose water due to dehydration, and at high heating, they lose carbon dioxide due to decarboxylation. The comprehensive characterisation of Persian adobe and mud–straw plaster in this study fills a significant gap in the literature and offers invaluable insights for informing restoration and rehabilitation processes, ensuring the compatibility of the materials used.

A recently published modeling approach for the penetration into adobe and previous approaches implicitly criticized are reviewed and discussed. This article contains a note on the paper titled "Ballistic model for the prediction of penetration depth and residual velocity in adobe: A new interpretation of the ballistic resistance of earthen masonry" (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2018.07.017). Reply to the Note from Li Piani et al is linked to this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La cultura Lima se desarrolló entre los años 200 y 700 DC entre los valles de Chanchay y Lurín en Perú. Tuvieron varios centros gubernamentales y ceremoniales, entre ellos el complejo arquitectónico conocido como la Huaca Pucllana, ubicado en Lima, el cual se edificó y habitó entre los años 450 y 700 DC. La construcción fue constante durante los años de actividad, generándose ampliaciones y modificaciones en las estructuras. Para esto se usó como unidad de construcción principal a los adobes, elaborados de forma artesanal en grandes cantidades. Es por ello, y a fin de estudiar la composición de las unidades de adobe se llevó un grupo de estos al Laboratorio de Mecánica de Suelos de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. Las unidades se sometieron a tres tipos de análisis: resistencia a la compresión no confinada, granulometría y contenido de materia orgánica. El propósito de estas pruebas radica en la necesidad de conocer y entender las proporciones de partículas de suelo usadas en la elaboración de adobes, así como las calidades de bloques obtenidas a lo largo del período de uso de la huaca. En la fase de experimentación se aplicaron ensayos de laboratorio normados pero adaptados a este tipo de adobes considerándolos como suelo. Los resultados encontrados muestran una variación de calidades según la antigüedad de cada bloque lo que podría ser un parámetro a tomar en cuenta al momento de estudiar los indicadores del esplendor y decadencia de los pobladores de la Huaca Pucllana. Por otro lado, los resultados podrán ayudar en lo referente a las actividades de conservación y protección del complejo frente a los agentes climáticos. Finalmente, es importante destacar que la investigación se elaboró por un equipo multidisciplinario compuesto por arqueólogos y un ingeniero agrícola. Gracias al intercambio de conocimientos, experiencias y diferentes puntos de vista se ofrece un panorama más amplio de la construcción en el antiguo Perú.

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Türkiye experienced great destruction during the Kahramanmaraş earthquake couple which occurred as Pazarcık (Mw = 7.7) and Elbistan (Mw = 7.6) on 6 February 2023. The weak structural characteristics and the magnitude of the earthquakes caused more than 50,000 casualties. Significant damage occurred in both urban and rural building stock in 11 different provinces that were primarily affected by the earthquakes. The dominant building stock is masonry structures in the rural areas of the earthquake region. Structural damages at various levels have occurred in adobe masonry structures built using local labours and resources without any engineering service. The main purpose of this study is to examine the failure and collapse mechanisms of adobe structures after Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in detail. First of all, information about both earthquakes was given. The earthquake intensity for all provinces was obtained by using the peak ground acceleration-intensity relation suggested for Türkiye, taking into account the measured PGAs in earthquakes. The observed structural damages were evaluated in terms of earthquake and civil engineering in adobe structures. Damage classification was conducted using European Macro-Seismic Scale (EMS-98) for a total of 100 adobe buildings. Of these structures, 25% were destroyed, 49% were heavily damaged, 15% were damaged moderately, and 11% were damaged slightly. In addition, the rules regarding adobe structures were compared considering the last two earthquake design codes used in Türkiye. In the study, suggestions were also presented to prevent structural damage in the adobe buildings in the earthquake region. Low strength of adobe material, usage of heavy earthen roofs, failure to comply with earthquake-resistant building design principles, and insufficient support of load-bearing walls are the main causes of damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to manufacture resistant, durable adobes having low thermal conductivity. For this purpose, a moderately plastic clayey soil from Korsimoro (Burkina Faso) was used to manufacture adobes reinforced with up to 1 wt.% of rice husks. The chemical and microstructural characteristics of the rice husks were evaluated, as were the physical, mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the adobes that were manufactured. The incorporation of rice husks in the clayey matrix increased the compressive strength of adobes and decreased their thermal conductivity. From a durability point of view, the addition of rice husks in adobes decreases the capillary absorption and improves the resistance to water erosion, due to the good adhesion of rice husks with the clayey matrix. According to standards related to building materials, adobes manufactured with at most 0.4 wt.% are suitable for the construction of resistant and durable dwellings that provide acceptable thermal comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lima culture developed between 200 and 700 A.D. and is located between the Chanchay and Lurin valleys in Peru. They had several governmental and ceremonial centers including the architectural complex known as Huaca Pucllana, located in Lima, which was built and inhabited between 450 and 700A.D. The construction was constant during the years of activity, generating extensions and modifications in the structures. For this, adobes were used as the main construction unit, which were elaborated by hand in large quantities. For this reason, and in order to study the composition of the adobe units, a group of them was taken to the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at Universidad Nacional Agraria "La Molina". The units were subjected to three types of analysis: resistance to unconfined compression, granulometry and organic matter content. The purpose of these tests lies in the need to know and understand the proportions of soil particles used in the elaboration of adobes as well as the qualities of blocks obtained throughout the period of use of the huaca. In the experimentation phase, standardized laboratory tests were applied but adapted to this type of adobes, considering them as soil. The results found show a variation of qualities according to the age of each block that could be a parameter to consider when studying the splendor and decadence indicators of the inhabitants of Huaca Pucllana. On the other hand, the results could help in terms of conservation activities and protection of the complex against climatic agents. Finally, it is important to highlight that the research was carried out by a multidisciplinary team formed by archaeologists and an agricultural engineer. Thanks to the exchange of knowledge, experiences and different points of view, a broader panorama of construction in ancient Peru is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]