An earthen block is typically a building material made from natural soil components, often compressed or formed into block shapes for construction.
Understanding Earthen Blocks
While the term "earthen block" can encompass various forms of soil-based building units, a well-known type is the Compressed Earth Block (CEB).
Based on the provided reference:
A compressed earth block (CEB), also known as a pressed earth block or a compressed soil block, is a building material made primarily from a mix of fairly dry inorganic subsoil, non-expansive clay, sand, and aggregate.
This definition highlights the core nature of such blocks: they are created from readily available earth materials, processed into stable blocks suitable for building.
Key Components
As described in the reference, the primary materials used in a compressed earth block typically include:
- Fairly dry inorganic subsoil
- Non-expansive clay
- Sand
- Aggregate
These components are mixed and then compressed under high pressure to form dense, durable blocks that can be used in place of traditional fired bricks or concrete blocks in construction.
Earthen blocks, particularly types like CEBs, offer a sustainable and often cost-effective building solution, utilizing local resources and requiring less embodied energy compared to some manufactured materials.
