Cob: new researcher

[Matthew HALL(SED)]

Dear all,

I am a research scientist at Sheffield Hallam University (UK) registered for a PhD studying
experimentally the physical and mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced earth as a sustainable
and low-cost alternative building material. 

Do anybody have any technical data or information relating to the various natural fibres used in
earth icnstruction, e.g. straw in adobe (middle east) etc. Earth reinforced with natural fibres (be
it straw, sisal, flax etc) is really no different to any of the more conventional composite
materials studied although for some reason the constructin industry's preoccupation with concrete
retards the study of earth construction in this manner. 

As far as i can tell, the influence of the volume fraction of fibres used, the type of clay,
production methodology (e.g. adobe, rammed earth etc), fibre orientation and so on has not been
studied in scientific or engineering terms and its precise effects are not properly understood
other than by specialist rural artisans and traditional builders in the third world.  There may be
some future potential for collaboration in this matter with anyone/organisation that is interested
in my research, i will certainly look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Matthew Hall

Centre for the Built Environment
School of Environment & Development
Sheffield Hallam University
Unit 9 Science Park
Howard Street
Sheffield S1 1WB
England

Tel: +44 (0) 114 225 3244
Fax: +44 (0) 114 225 3206
E-mail: (work) M.Hall at shu.ac.uk
E-mail: (home) Matt at Hall2000.fsnet.co.uk