Training In Production of Earth Blocks
V. Sriraman

Tara Nirman Kendra, a building centre sponsored by Development Alternatives, conducts  training programmes on compressed soil blocks and micro concrete roofing technologies.  Training is offered at the building centre as well as at field centres.

One such a training was organised at Parahamsa  Akhada, Sivananda Matha, Deogarh in Bihar.  The training programme was on production of compressed earth blocks using “Balram”.  Fifteen trainees  including a few Swamijis of the Math, participated in the programme and showed interest in learning about Balram, besides reduction of soil blocks.  On the first day, out of curiosity the trainees reached the venue before 6 a.m. to see the blocks coming out of the machine.   The blocks achieved good strength within two days.  Some trainees stood upon the blocks to test their strength.  Methods of stabilising soil with cement and lime were  demonstrated. Divided into two batches the trainees competed with each other and in 45 minutes produced 120 blocks.

The next day there was a session on identification an selection of soils suitable for compressed earth block production.  A few soil tests were demonstrated.  Quality control of block production, stacking and curing procedures were explained.  At the end of programme the trainees constructed a dwarf wall using soil blocks.

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