Contemporary difficulties and challenges for the implementation and development of compressed earth block building technology in Argentina

Abstract

The construction with compressed earth blocks (CEB) has provoked special worldwide interest in recent decades. In Argentina it has considerable experiences due to technical research, its use in public works and the development of some manufacturing units at different scales. The particular interest of its technology transfer to low income population sectors has been central and defines the social profile with which it has been implemented in the last time. However, its contemporary development has a low territorial impact due to the fact that problems are observed that hinder the implementation, dissemination, economic support of the manufacture and CEB commercialisation and the transfer of this technology. The aim of this article is to characterize and discuss the nature of the problems that hinder further development of CEB construction technology in Argentina. Local scientific production was analysed and the agents involved in the CEB production process were identified, who were surveyed and interviewed asking their assessment of the problems that affect the development of this technology today. The results show that the technical aspects involved in the CEB manufacturing stage are the ones that have received the most attention so far, much of the current difficulties to continue with its development are focused on the implementation, dissemination, and economic sustainability of the CEB manufacturing and commercialisation and the transfer of this technology. The lack of a specific regulatory framework for this technology is transversal to these problems mentioned. With regard to the scientific field, these issues need to be incorporated into research agendas, at least at the local level.