In Cuba, Sturdier Housing In Hurricane Belt Uses Pozzolan Plus Biomaterials

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Strong results have been obtained locally with micro-concrete roofing tiles, pozzolana (CP-40) cement -- named for the volcanic ash of the Pozzuoli volcano in Italy -- made with the ashes of sugar cane straw, pre-cast hollow concrete blocks in which Portland cement has been partially replaced by CP-40, and low-energy fired clay bricks using bio-waste products as fuel. CP-40 is an alternative binder that requires less energy than traditional Portland cement and therefore reduces climate changing carbon dioxide emissions.

"The key is that we have returned to our roots," Professor Fernando Martirena told IPS. "In the past 5,000 years of human civilisation, the most widely-used and sustainable materials are red bricks, wood and roman cement. We are now using them again, but in conjunction with the advances made by modern science and technology."

Ecomaterials provide alternatives not only for solving Cuba’s current housing shortage, but also for the problems that will plague many countries in the future, when oil and modern materials "like glass and titanium" will be unsustainable and unaffordable, he said.

Several times more earth must be removed to produce a ton of titanium -- an extremely strong and versatile rare metal that is stronger than steel yet can be as light as aluminium -- than to produce a ton of cement. "Ecomaterials have shown to be long-lasting and attractive, and they strike a balance with the environment. By using them, we are reducing the size of our ecological footprint," said the expert.

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http://www.cubaheadlines.com/2007/10/10/6322/low_cost_hurricane_proof_housing_made_with_ecomaterials.html