Adobe: performance records in publications

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research that aimed to evaluate the knowledge regarding the artisanal manufacturing process of adobe, with emphasis on the following aspects: physical-chemical characteristics and mechanical properties. The analysis considered references published between 2011 and 2021. Initially, 30,070 references were pre-selected. Therefore, the abstracts of 240 were analyzed. Of these, 80 were pre-analyzed and, finally, 21 were chosen for specific comparative analysis, considering: a) soil properties; b) materials (aggregates); c) forms and pressing and d) performance evaluation. 154 different traits were found, varying in soil types, dimensions, pressing processes, use of aggregates and proportions of ingredients. The importance of soil quality for obtaining favorable results in compression tests was observed. Regarding the use of presses, these proved to be important tools for improving the quality of the brick, but not essential for obtaining results above the normative limits. It is possible to observe the concern for maintaining the ecological nature of the manufacture of construction material, given that the origin of the aggregates used in the tests are, for the most part, derived from industrial or low-impact discards such as those of vegetable origin. Finally, the validity and safety of the artisanal methods of manufacturing adobe bricks were evidenced, which enable the building element within the normative requirements.