The Death of Compressed Stabilized Earth Brick Tech : Is Rammed Earth Construction Tech the Option in Nigeria?

If William Shakespeare had been an architect or builder he would have probably coined the famous phrase ‘ to CSEB or not to CSB…”

Compressed stabilized earth brick technology, CSEB,? has failed in Nigeria.

This is not a very popular or even acceptable position seemingly.

Has it failed? ?

How has it failed?

Why has compressed stabilized earth brick technology? has failed in Nigeria? Nigeria is the most populous black nation in Africa which means there is a sizeable ?need for affordable housing, additionally building construction is one of the major employers of labor. These three factors should have translated into perfect demand and supply nexus for such a technology and any related technology for that matter. According to Globe Newswire the construction industry in Nigeria is expected to rise by 2.8% in 2024 followed by an annual increase of 3.1% between 2025 and 2027. It is therefore a mystery why Nigeria ?has not? adopted, adapted ?and or championed the way in CSEB technology ?in a way / in the way and manner expected, therefore it is most likely ?and more likely a factuality that the technology has failed. ?

In 1988, a workshop ?at the instance of the French government ?/ Embassy in Nigeria was held and the birth of a center for earthen construction technology under the auspices of the Nigeria National Commission for Museum and Monuments was conceived . The mission statement of the commission is to provide a stage for the improvement and advancement of earthen construction materials and? techniques in the preservation of national architectural cultural heritage, which had been carried out in the past using raw earth.? ?Following this milestone, another workshop was held in 1991 where the Center for ?Earth Construction Technology was formally inaugurated and finally in 1992 the center was officially opened.

The center is comprised of an extensive library, some literary and photographic material are the works of the famed Polish architect Zbigniew Dmochowski. Dmochowski compiled the most comprehensive study of traditional Nigerian architecture to ever be published. There is also a laboratory for soil testing, a demonstration yard for practical lessons for students as well as for artisanal and professional training. The yard? is also used for the production of commercial bricks which is made available for the public to purchase. The center also houses a resource room and drawing studio with an array of professionals, comprising an architect, engineers and technicians who serve as a consultation base for design, interpretation and implementation of the technology.?

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Figure 1: Compressed stabilized earth bricks produced in Jos Nigeria ( author’s library)

In the words of Engineer Linus Nnok, a former head of the center, “ …looking at where the technology started, there is an improvement but more can be done” adding that “little ( of the technology) has been exploited in and for ?housing development in Nigeria”.

A failed technology refers to an innovation that has not met its expected success or utility. This can manifest in numerous ways, such as insufficient functionality, lack of market interest, poor design, or being outperformed by competing technologies. Importantly, a failed technology is not merely one that is outdated; it is one that did not fulfill its purpose effectively enough to sustain its existence in the marketplace or environment for which it was developed.

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A failed technology is characterized by the following :

1. ?Lack of Market Demand: Initially the CSEB technology in Nigeria seemed to germinate and ?blossom, but later wilted ?for reasons not unconnected to insufficient functionality, lack of market interest, poor design, or being outperformed by competing technologies. It was literally supposed to compete with sand Crete / cinder block? technology. It has not.

2. Inadequate Problem Solving: The intervention of CSEB in Nigeria was to address the paucity and inadequacy of affordable and sustainable housing for the masses. This did not happen. Nigeria is still in high deficit of its required housing stock.

3. High Costs and Economic Viability:? CSEB was initially ?as low-cost ?and economically viable sustainable measure to address shortage of much needed housing in Nigeria, but a number of related factors negated this. ?In Nigeria many individuals , a target population of the CSEB technology, start a build with sand Crete blocks? and continue as the financial resources come in, this sometimes over a span of many years. CSEB technology requires that one has door frames, window frames and roofing materials at ready before beginning.? The initial high cost of implementing this technology has discouraged many would be users.

4. Poor User Experience: Too many eager enthusiasts and artisans were excited to try out this technology but not patient enough to follow the recommended steps, for example, like selection, testing and grading of soils for appropriateness etc. Inadvertently problems arise from bad mixes, inadequate compression of bricks in production, inexperienced bricklayers and so on, combine to give a bad impression on the technology.

5. Failure to Evolve or Adapt: This factor is reflected in both the professional and the artisanal experience. The slow pace of learning and dissemination has negatively affected the evolution and adaptation of the technology in Nigeria.

6. Technological Limitations: In the early 1990s two CSEB experts from the Center for Earth Construction Technology in Jos ( CeC.Tech) travelled from Nigeria ?to Johannesburg and another city in South Africa to train South Africans on the hitherto? newly introduced CSEB technology. Years down the road South Africa adopted , adapted and? developed ?and show cased Hydra Form – which is now a world leader in CSEB technology.

7. Negative Public Perception: A large segment of the Nigerian populace, professionals in the building and construction sector, hold a very negative impression of the technology as being ‘ primitive and outdated’. In 2016, a Minister of Science and Technology? of the Federal Republic of Nigeria announced the intention of the government to ‘phase out mud buildings’. Clearly this was based on very bad perception and lack of knowledge.

Though probably not exhaustive the above mentioned factors will be addressed comprehensively in the upcoming book : To CSEB or Not to CSEB : Emergent Consequences of a Failed Technology by the author.

A failed technology is a multifaceted concept characterized by various factors that hinder its success. While innovation is vital for progress, it is equally essential to recognize that not all advancements will thrive. Understanding the common characteristics of failed technologies can provide valuable insights for future innovators, allowing them to refine their approaches and increase the chances of success.

What happens next? Where does this new approach begin? How does it begin?

The use of earthen construction materials and techniques in Nigeria holds great potential for sustainable, affordable, and culturally relevant housing solutions. However, the unpredictability and uncertainty of performance of earthen construction materials and techniques hinder its widespread adoption and long-term viability.

In recent years, sustainable building techniques have gained traction across the globe as the need for eco-friendly and cost-effective construction practices becomes increasingly evident. Two popular methods in this domain are Rammed Earth Technology and Compressed Stabilized Earth Bricks (CSEB), both of which hold promise for countries like Nigeria looking to address housing scarcity and environmental concerns simultaneously. Despite the advantages of both approaches, Rammed Earth Technology seems poised to outshine CSEB in Nigeria for several compelling reasons.

Rammed Earth Technology, an ancient construction method that involves compacting earth and stabilizers into solid walls, offers several unique advantages over CSEB.

Figure 2: The first rammed earth wall in Jos, Nigeria ( author’s library)

Some purists like Martin Rauch and Sigi Atteneder advocate that no additives be used ?in rammed earth and earthen architecture respectively, ?and advocate using the earthen material as it is. Professor Atteneder argues that the use of pure earth guarantees better recyclability and reuse. One key benefit ?of earthen material is its superior thermal mass properties, which enable buildings to stay naturally cool in hot climates like those prevalent in Nigeria. This feature would not only contribute to enhanced comfort for residents but also lead to significant energy savings by reducing the need for artificial cooling systems. Moreover, Rammed Earth structures have been proven to have excellent durability and structural integrity, often lasting for centuries with minimal maintenance. This longevity is particularly appealing in regions prone to extreme weather conditions, such as heat. This consideration ?is paramount for ensuring occupants' indoor thermal comfort. Arvind et al? posit that climate has formed a design discipline of high performance extended through time by the traditions of indigenous construction practice . They further add that such disciplines tend to emerge in extreme climates and in under developed economies where resources are limited and where natural conditions are so severe that they may be life threatening.

When examined closely, Rammed Earth Technology has an edge over CSEB in terms of versatility and aesthetic appeal. The technique allows for the incorporation of various colors, textures, and artistic designs into the walls, offering architects and builders a wide range of creative possibilities to enhance the visual appeal of structures. Additionally rammed earth technology is not constrained by the tenuous processes of batching, mixing, production , stacking, wet curing / and dry curing before construction which is the underlying process for construction utilizing ?CSEB technology. ?This could play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria by appealing to the aesthetic and convenience ?preferences of the local population.

Furthermore, Rammed Earth Technology has a lower carbon footprint compared to CSEB, as the manufacturing process involves minimal energy consumption and utilizes locally sourced materials, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. This aspect aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and green building practices globally and positions Rammed Earth as a more environmentally friendly choice for construction projects in Nigeria.

While both Rammed Earth Technology and CSEB offer viable solutions for sustainable construction, the former's unique blend of thermal efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness makes it a more promising option for Nigeria's housing sector.

As the country grapples with rapid urbanization, housing shortages, and climate change challenges, embracing innovative approaches like Rammed Earth Technology could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Nigeria.

It is not certain whether? the assertion of? Labelle Prussin? that “…the domestic foundation of (this) labor specialization persisted so strongly that, despite numerous attempts by the French to introduce and encourage the use of brick kilns in order to obtain a more durable building unit, they were unsuccessful in almost all instances” is the reason for the phenomena manifesting itself in this 21st century. The French introduction of brick kilns apparently threatened the balance of traditional division of labor. In an curious? twist of events? the French ‘introduced’ compressed stabilized earth brick technology about twenty years on in Nigeria and the technology seemingly stagnates. ?This may not ?be the case today as science and technology has made gigantic strides in all spheres of human endeavor globally.? But maybe it is necessary to further investigate the statement by Prussin? “ …(that) labor was specialized whether it was agriculture, domestic chores, clay pottery or blacksmithing...” and that “ these responsibilities carried certain significant attachments, often cultural and spiritual which a foreigner would not discern at the risk of upsetting an age long delicate balance”.

It is a far stretch, but is it remotely possible that one of the reasons that a reason why a technology? fails is due to the disruption of certain cultural or and spiritual balances long held by supposedly beneficiary people of an incoming technology?

Hopefully these concerns will be comprehensively addressed in the upcoming book -To CSEB or Not to CSEB : Emergent Consequences of a Failed Technology.

The adoption of Rammed Earth Technology holds significant potential to revolutionize the construction industry in Nigeria and address the pressing need for sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions. By leveraging the benefits of this ancient yet highly relevant building method, Nigeria can build a brighter, greener future for its communities while preserving its rich architectural heritage and promoting a more sustainable urban landscape.

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