Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks: An evaluation of the use of the building material in low-cost housing in Uganda. A study of the Dry Stacked Method.

Abstract

Luweero district has had a history of war that left part of the region devastated. The housing deficit that arose as a result has led to challenge of informal growth marked by structures that are constructed with semi-permanent or temporary materials as the majority of residents cannot afford using modern building materials. This has resulted to the depletion of the natural vegetation in the quest of acquiring/making building materials that are socially accepted. The project proposal introduces interlocking stabilised soil blocks (ISSBs) as a means of providing low cost housing that is eco-friendly. The study sought to evaluate the extent to which low cost housing can be achieved by using of interlocking stabilised soil blocks as the building material. Studies were done on structures constructed using ISSBs on projects within the central region in Nansana, Wakiso district and Luweero district. The variables under investigation included affordability, eco-friendliness, aesthetic and durability qualities, psychological aspects of the building material, social influences and cultural beliefs. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and represented using illustrations/sketches, graphs and charts.