Cob: cob blocks?

[Darel Henman]

I don't know about the book you're referring to but, its probably better
to not dry in direct sunlight for an initial period of a few days.  I've
heard of it it's too hot a surface layer will dry and keep the interior
from drying as quickly as it could.  A long drying period is better in
my opinion.  To quick a force dry would stress the material (any
material really, even wood).   Also by enclosed I suppose you still have
windows to open and allow ventilation.  If you have too long of a drying
period a mold may form.  Not a problem if you brush it off, in my
opinion, but some people are sensitive and it would effect subsequent
renderings depending on thickness.   

I've seen this when drying foods as well, if it goes to quick a skin
layer will form on the outerside and keep the inside from drying well.   

Darel

----------------

Yun Que wrote:
> 
> Cat here!
> 
> Is there any mention in this book about drying the cob/adobe/RE in an
> enclosed area rather than the traditional sun dried.  Sort of like a
> wood kiln set up?  fans, dehumidifier, low heat source??
> 
> for the good of all
> 
> >From: andrea arnold
> >Reply-To: andrea arnold
> >To: Arthurhlevine at aol.com, coblist at deatech.com
> >Subject: Re: Cob: cob blocks?
> >Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 13:35:22 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >you may want to look into compressed earth blocks
> >(CEB's). This is something different than adobe. It
> >sounds to me that it is simiilar to traditional rammed
> >earth. I mean, either way you have made a mix and you
> >are compressing it - whether that means with a tamper,
> >a machine, or a press, ya know? I've also learned
> >that the main thing about adobe vs. cob, rammed earth,
> >etc is that even though they have the same
> >ingredients, adobe ends up w/ more air in it - this
> >means better insulating, but also more brittle just in
> >terms of weathering in the rain, thus it is in mainly
> >dry climates, where as cob, rammed earth, etc are not
> >limited to dry climates. Still not totally sure where
> >CEB's fall.
> >
> >Anyway, this (CEB's)mix is made with very little
> >water, and when compressed in a press,compresses out
> >much of the excess water so that they are just damp,
> >and the volume is decreased about 30% by the press.
> >They still have to sit a bit to dry out before use.
> >Blocks can vary in size and shape depending on the
> >press. I have seen mention of CEB's needing a bit of
> >cement as a stabilizerin the mix, and also references
> >that it does not. Similar info on needing and not
> >needing a cement based mortar or a cement based
> >stucco. I'm not sure if this is something that works
> >in all climates, or if it is just for hot dry areas.
> >It's a very very long-time established building method
> >in other countries, not sure where or how much has
> >been done in the US.
> >
> >This info is mainly from a chapter in "The Art of
> >Natural Building". the author of the article is Wayne
> >Nelson, he lives in Gorgia and works w/construction
> >and environmental resources for Habitat for Hum.
> >Internat'l, he has experience with CEB's in multiple
> >countries. The book has his addreess, phone number,
> >and email if you want to know more.
> >
> > - Andrea
> >
> >
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