This document discusses several cost effective construction materials that can be used for housing. It describes stabilized mud blocks, funicular shell roofing, ferrocement, fly ash blocks, and precast doors and windows frames as alternatives to traditional materials that save money. Mud blocks are produced using a manual or mechanical press and can be stabilized with cement or lime. Funicular shell roofs are lightweight, easy to manufacture, and cost effective. Ferrocement panels use mesh and cement mortar to construct walls, roofs, and doors, providing a low-cost solution. Adopting these cost effective materials and techniques can help address the growing need for affordable housing.

1. Cost effective
construction materials
K.Ramsiddarthan,
II B.Tech Civil Engg.(HD),
The Gandhigram Rural Institute
(Deemed University).

2. INTRODUCTION
Shelter is one of the basic needs for
human development and it is an important quality
measure of living standards. Nowadays development
focuses on the cost effective construction through
appropriate and alternative building materials and
technologies.

3. COST EFFECTIVE MATERIALS
The cost effective materials and technology
which is utilized for housing are,
 stabilized mud blocks,
 funicular shell roofing,
 ferro-cement ,
 fly ash blocks,,
 precast doors and window frames,
 micro concrete tiles,
 brick panel filler slab.

4. MUD BLOCK
Mud block is prepared by pouring slightly
moistened soil into a steel press and compressing manually
or by mechanical means. Mud blocks are available in
different shapes. Mud block can also be stabilized by
mixture of suitable raw materials like cement or lime and
then it is called stabilized compressed earth block.

6. MUD BLOCK PROPERTIES
Dimension variation : +/- 2mm
Wet compressive strength : 20-30 kg/cm2
Water absorption <18% by weight
Textural characteristics : no pitting on the surface

7. MANUFACTURING OF MUD
BLOCK- TARA BALRAM MACHINE
Block – 230 X109 X76 mm
Machine – 1500X600X1200 mm
Weight – 180 kg
No. of blocks – 2/cycle
Man power required – 5 to 8
Operation – manual
Compressive strength – 20 to 30 kg/cm2

9. MUD BLOCK ADVANTAGES
 Easily available
 Saves time and money
 Non hazardous material
 Renewable resources
 Easy to manufacture
 Cost efficiency

10. FUNICULAR SHELL
It can be prepared from moulds of standard size.
They are used as roofs for simple primitive and non load
barring structures. Funicular shell roofs are available
from 1 m square

11. ADVANTAGES
 Cost effective
 Weightless and easy to manufacture
 Strength is establishes

12. FUNICULAR SHELL
 Dia of rod : 6mm
 Concrete : m15
 Ratio : 1:2:4
 Aggregates : 6-12mm
 Weight : 225kg
 Cost : Rs.175/-

13. FUNICULAR SHELL

14. FERRO CEMENT PANELS
It is prepared using mesh and cement mortar. This
panels can be used for constructing walls, roofs, doors
and in water storage structures.

15. SIGNIFICANCE
 Low cost
 Saves time
 Less in weight
 Temporary low structures can made
easily
 Not suitable for load bearing walls

17. CONCLUSION
The increasing concern for the provision of shelters in
both urban and rural areas is identified as one of the agenda in
the millennium development goals. It can be better achieved
by adopting cost effective construction materials and
techniques.

18. THANK YOU