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Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB) technology is a brick-making technology developed from the 'SSB' (Stabilized Soil
Block) technique of building with compressed soil which has been used for centuries all over the world, though on a small
scale.
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| Stacked ISSB blocks |
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The Faculty of Technology, University of Makerere, Kampala, have recently designed modifications to SSB technology, making
it possible to make blocks that interlock (ISSB). This single modification has significantly widened the scope for building
with compressed soil, particularly for the provision of housing, sanitation and water facilities in poor, remote and rural
communities.
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| Training round an ISSB press |
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| ISSB offers an alternative to using fired bricks when rebuilding this type of inadequate housing |
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The Good Earth Trust is actively promoting Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB) technology because it offers a real alternative
to fired-brick construction in Africa. Firing bricks is responsible for large-scale deforestation. ISSB has the following
benefits:
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| A simple, rural house built using ISSB |
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* Lower-cost, higher quality construction meaning
better living conditions for poor communities
* Simple technology and local materials allows the development of local
small enterprises
* No need for firewood as blocks are cured, not fired. This saves about 5 tonnes of firewood for
one house
* Reduced cement construction in building. Each tonne of cement saved is equivalent to a tonne of carbon |
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Moistened soil is compacted using a simple, manually-operated machine that can be operated by two people and is easy to transport.
Two types of blocks are possible: curved and rectangular ones, so that both curved and straight walls can be constructed.
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| Straight interlocking blocks |
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Once blocks have come out of the press (a processes which takes minutes), they are simply covered and kept moist for 24 hours,
left to dry in the sun, and are then ready to build with.
Building with ISSB blocks requires less mortar, as the interlocking design provides additional strength, and the blocks
themselves are proven to have greater compressive strength than fired bricks and therefore produce more durable structures.
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| Curved interlocking blocks |
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The presses themselves are manufactured by Makiga Engineering Services in Nairobi, Kenya. Their website is a good resource
for more detailed technical information on ISSB technology:
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