Earth building construction processes in Benin City, Nigeria and engineering classification of earth materials used

Abstract

Villages in Oka, Use and Uselu were visited and interviews of earth constructors in these locations were conducted to determine their mud house construction techniques. Earth building materials were also taken from these villages and laboratory tests were conducted on the soil samples in order to classify them. Natural moisture content, sieve and hydrometer analyses, and Atterberg limits tests were performed in the laboratory. The interaction between the culture, tradition and earth construction technique of the Benin people was revealed from the interview sessions. The soil samples at the three locations were suitable for mud house construction, based on the results of laboratory tests. It was revealed from the interview sessions that the construction technique widely used in these locations is similar in procedure to that of cob construction, except that straws are not added. The soil samples from the three villages were classified as silty, clayey sand (SC-SM), according to Unified Soil Classification System. According to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, soil samples from Use, Uselu and Oka were classified as A-4, A-6 and A-7, respectively. The soil samples taken from Use and Uselu were found to be more suitable for mud house construction than that from Oka, based on the results of laboratory tests.