The properties of mud bricks used in building construction in Hadhramout Valley-Yemen شيبان، مشعل أحمد السقاف، محمد عبد الله

Abstract

Construction with clay and mud bricks is still the traditional building system that exists in Hadhramout valley since hundreds of years until today.

It is characterized by preserve the traditional methods of construction.

Although, it is a common system in Hadhramout valley, it is without experimental laboratory testing to assure safely construction.

This traditional method of mud construction is still in the same way though that there are great changes in the internal architecture design, the dimensions and areas of rooms, and the local climate change.

In this research an experimental tests are done to know the properties of the clay, mud bricks that normally used in construction of mud buildings.

The mixing ratios of clay and straw to improve compressive strength of mud bricks are tested.

The experiment results show that 2% straw to clay weight ratio is the best mixing ratio to obtain the highest compressive strength of mud bricks.

This mixing ratio is recommended to be used in mud construction in Hadhramout valley.