Cob: light clay ratios

Fri Apr 27 07:45:51 CDT 2001

We are building a post and beam house and will be using the light clay infill. We chose light clay over cob because we plan to build a living roof and just felt that the timber frame would be a better support system, plus my husband is experienced in timber framing.
I have been making some experimental blocks using coarse sawdust instead of straw because we can get it and it saves one labor step of not having to chop the straw.
My question is about ratios. The article that I have says three buckets of sawdust were added to one bucket of slip. After just one bucket of sawdust the mixture is so dry it barely clings together. I am wondering if they meant that one bucket of clay mixed with water to make slip. Then three buckets of sawdust added to that.
Would be interested in any thoughts/experience you all have had on this.
Vicki and David Wicker
Arkansas
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<DIV><FONT size=2>We are building a post and beam house and will be using the 
light clay infill. We chose light clay over cob because we plan to build a 
living roof and just felt that the timber frame would be a better support 
system, plus my husband is experienced in timber framing.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I have been making some experimental blocks using coarse 
sawdust instead of straw because we can get it and it saves one labor step of 
not having to chop the straw.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>My question is about ratios. The article that I have says 
three buckets of sawdust were added to one bucket of slip. After just one bucket 
of sawdust the mixture is so dry it barely clings together. I am wondering if 
they meant that one bucket of clay mixed with water to make slip. Then three 
buckets of sawdust added to that.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Would be interested in any thoughts/experience you all have 
had on this.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Vicki and David Wicker</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Arkansas</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>

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