[Cob] Haitian cob and historical context (Katherine, Ocean)

[Monica Proulx]

On the technical side of the Haiti rebuilding equation, I'd like to share
some information I have collected while doing research for a paper I have to
write on earth quake resistant building methods.

There is an historical method of earthen building in South and Central
America called "quincha", that is quake "proof" or resistant.  I don't look
to the U.S. or other western govts. to implement this, but maybe the
non-profit organization Practical Action (UK based, very active worldwide)
will step up.  Go to their website treatment here on earthquake proof
building/improved quincha method:

http://practicalaction.org/disaster-reduction/earthquake_housing

Quincha uses earth infill (essentially cob, since the mix uses straw, clay&
sand) on wattle and daub structures attached between wooden posts set (at
corners and regular intervals) into a concrete base/foundation. The reed,
cane, stick and/or bamboo woven sections essentially look like British
"hurdle" style fence sections, except that the close weaving orientation is
running vertically instead of horizontally.  Granted the wooden support
posts and other components could be a problem in Haiti, as they have few
trees, but maybe bamboo lashed together could substitute?  The new quincha
method actually uses bamboo (fast growing stuff) for parts of the wattle
woven sections. The support post along with the woven "hurdle" type
structures, and the way they are put together, are the reinforcement that
makes this method so quake resistant.  They have a PDF file paper with
illustrations for downloading.

Practical Action has done a lot to enhance the quincha method in last couple
of decades (most/all of their quincha projects are in Peru due to numerous
quakes there in '90s).  The initial 70 homes withstood subsequent quakes so
well that they did other projects AND then the original participants have
taught others, so that now over 4,000 homes have been built in Peru using
the new (and ever evolving) quincha technology.  The wonderful grass roots
spreading is no doubt fostered because PA teaches folks to be self
sufficient and not rely on outsiders for labor, or much in the way of
materials, etc.

Quincha has historic roots dating to 600 A.D. (in Central America), and
maybe further (South America).  For a fascinating read, google: excavations
of ancient Mayan settlement at Ceren, (currently in El Salvador).  Quincha
type houses were preserved/buried under volcanic ash around 600 AD.
Archeologists have determined these houses earthquake "proof", although they
suffered some collapsing in volcano. Also, there are a couple of great books
on Ceren excavations, by somebody-or-other Sheets.  Ceren is a New World
version of Pompeii, fascinating.

I'm keeping an eye on Practical Action, (they're aware of the situation in
Haiti), they know what parameters are needed to do a project - the current
situation is less than ideal.  They have multiple well researched and
designed, practical, inexpensive projects (for lay people) to address many
problems globally and since they are such deliberate planners, I don't
expect them to jump into a half baked effort in Haiti overnight, if they do
anything there at all.  But I bet they are talking about it.

Whoever takes this on is up against it, the amount of building debris alone
in such close quarters is a huge obstacle.  Hopefully someone can recycle as
much of the busted concrete and wood as possible.  Even if foundations of
urbanite (broken concrete) prove inadequate for this particular seismic
zone, it may prove useful for mosaic "stone" floors set over gravel or
smaller concrete rubble pieces, garden retaining walls, outdoor pavement).
The new quincha houses PA has built are on a poured, (and probably
reinforced) concrete foundation/base.  I believe that Practical Action
consults engineers, so they'll get the best and most sustainable solution to
foundations if they get involved.

So there are some neat poossibilities, but it will be a long haul for Haiti
no matter what happens, and sadly so many may yet die before then.  I hope
the public doesn't tire of the news on this topic and lose interest in
helping/donating.  So so sad.  Things were pretty bad there before this.


Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:12:30 -0800
> From: Ocean Liff-Anderson <ocean at fireworksvenue.com>
> Subject: Re: [Cob] Haitian cob & historical context
> To: coblist at deatech.com
> Message-ID: <FDC2C1D6-3AD1-4B80-ABC9-BCE7FB5EB5C3 at fireworksvenue.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> Yes, yes, Cob would be ideal for building/rebuilding - and properly
> constructed - earthquake resistant, and most of all AFFORDABLE in an
> impoverished country.  And yes, no doubt the Western industrial
> builders would certainly laugh us off the island for suggesting that
> a mud house could be a safe as their rebar/concrete structures.
> Despite the fact that most of the structures that fell in and killed
> occupants were cinder block buildings with no rebar ( far too
> expensive ) industrial solutions will still be seen as the only choice.
>
> The history of the impoverished island of Haiti was recently
> recounted by Robert Parry at http://www.consortiumnews.com/
> 2010/011310.html and reveals the troubling political relationship
> America has had with the inhabitants. In a nutshell: Jefferson feared
> the slave rebellion on Haiti would spread north to his 180 slaves, so
> he considered teaming up with Napoleon to crush the rebellion!
> Luckily the slave prevailed, defeated two of Napoleon's army and in
> defeat he sold Jefferson the Lousiana Territories and doubled the
> land mass of the early colonies... to be followed by more genocide of
> the natives.
>
> (Yes, Shannon, I know this is moving off-topic, but historical
> context is important to help realized the greater forces at work,
> especially if we start talking about exporting cob into an area where
> we American "helpers" might likely be looked upon with great
> skepticism/resentment for what our forebears inflicted upon their
> people and culture...)
>
> Ocean Liff-Anderson
> FireWorks Restaurant
> http://fireworkscorvallis.com
>
>
>