Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
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Description: This course covers the fundamentals of building earthen walls using adobe blocks. We begin the wallbuilding process by laying a first course of adobes onto the foundation wall. We continue course by course to the top of the wall ending with the installation of a wood bond beam. We work through all wall-related sections of the current New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code. We define key concepts and correct building procedures of a typical load-bearing adobe block wall. We also examine different methods of installing window and door openings into the wall.

Topic Overview: historical overview of different earthen wall construction techniques used worldwide, why adobe blocks make sense for owner builder earthen walls, overview of common adobe wall thicknesses, thermal storage and heat transmission properties of adobe walls - R-values and U-values, basic seismic considerations when building with adobe, constructing and setting up speed leads, mixing earthen mortar, applying mortar to the wall, correct block coursing, leveling and plumbing, cutting adobe blocks, constructing and installing anchor blocks and rough bucks, constructing and installing lintels, constructing and installing wood bond beams, scaffolding and high wall strategies, insulation techniques for adobe walls, basic overview of plumbing and electrical installation