Papercrete is a sustainable construction material made from recycled paper and Portland cement, offering low carbon footprint and high insulating properties. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and can be molded into various shapes, but has limitations such as poor moisture resistance and lower tensile strength. The document discusses its composition, benefits, limitations, and practical applications in construction and art.

1. SHARON SHERANI DANIEL
BARCH IV YR VII SEM
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
DR. MGR. EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, CHENNAI- 95
SMART MATERIALS -
PAPERCRETE
WORKING DRAWING
ASSIGNMENT -1
28.08.2021

2. Papercrete is an innovative construction material
that consists of re-pulped paper fiber that is
stabilized with Portland cement and/or clay soil.
While papercrete was first experimented with during
the 1920s, it has recently made a comeback as a
sustainable construction method that has the ability
to recycle millions of pounds of paper waste.

3. Papercrete is kind of fibrous cement, made by shredding paper into pulp in water and
adding Portland cement to it and in some cases sandy soil can be used as an additive.
It gains the inherent strength with the presence of hydrogen bonds in microstructure of
paper. This thick mix is poured into molds the cast like concrete, to make it into any
desired shape and size.
Papercrete can be called as a sustainable building material with the reduced
amount of cement usage and recycled paper being used effectively. It has numerous
advantages on construction industry and they are its low carbon footprint, usage of
recycled paper, low embodied energy, high strength for weight ratio, higher thermal
insulation, higher sound absorption, aesthetic and cost effective.
SMART MATERIALS -
PAPERCRETE
The main objectives are to effectively utilize the waste paper to reduce the problem of
disposal of waste, to prove that the recycled paper pulp can be a replacement for
fine aggregate.

4. Paper: usually waste paper such as used newsprint or cardboard.
Aggregate – coarse aggregate or fine aggregate such as sand may
be used depending in the desired strength of the Paper Crete.
Cement: it is used as a binder and used to provide strength and
rigidity to the Paper Crete.
Water
THE BASIC CONSTITUENTS
OF PAPERCRETE
Papercrete is made by gathering recycled paper. Then, a mixer is
used to turn the paper into a fibrous pulp.
Portland cement is then mixed with this pulp, and the mixture is
placed in forms to dry in the sun.
The procedure is similar to the process for making adobe blocks.
The result is a 10 to 12-inch block material that can be used to build
walls, and that has an estimated R-value of 2-3 per inch of
construction.
Papercrete is also lighter weight than a comparable adobe brick or
concrete block, making it easier to assemble and less expensive to
transport.
MANUFACTURE OF
PAPERCRETE

5. Raw materials are very inexpensive and
freely available.
Equipment used is relatively low-tech and
inexpensive.
Has high compressive strength.
It has excellent heat and sound insulating
properties.
PaperCrete is light weight and can be
used to make inexpensive roofing
alternatives.
PaperCrete is very workable and can be
formed into different shapes such as
blocks, panels and sheets with ease.
It does not catch fire easily but smolders for
hours.
Benefits of Papercrete
Poor moisture resistance
Susceptible to termite and mould
Disintegrates when exposed to water
for prolonged periods of time.
Low longevity
Expands and contracts frequently
leading to cracks and buckling
Poor tensile strength.
Limitations of Papercrete
PROS & CONS OF
PAPERCRETE

6. Tom and his wife Susan have been building with papercrete
for over twenty five years. Today numerous papercrete
buildings and sculptures dot the Alpine and neighboring
communities.
Its sculptability and organic nature make it an ideal artist's
medium.
It is strong, insulating and soundproof. It is earth friendly,
economical, energy efficient, and darn right beautiful!
CURRY STUDIO AND GALLERY
104 W MURPHY STREET ALPINE, TEXAS 7983
Artist Tom Curry's art studio and his home at texas is made
from recycled newspaper and magazine mixed with water,
sand & cement

7. NUBIAN VAULT AND SQUINCH
DOME
- BY TOM CURRY AT ALPINE, TEXAS

8. Papercrete uses waste but never becomes
waste. Papercrete construction is an innovative
home building material that can help reduce
waste and our reliance on cutting down trees.
- THANK YOU