Block Head Design
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2017 | ADOBE CONSTRUCTION

Welcome to

BLOCKHEAD DESIGN


a sENIOR CAPSTONE


PROJECT BACKGROUND



Blockhead Design's purpose is to develop a stabilized adobe block from Coconino County soil that can withstand 300psi in compression test, and withstand absorption testing. Three soil types were used for comparison two of which were considered for final analysis. The final soil types have been collected from the west side of Flagstaff, which is predominantly Ponderosa Pine forest, as well as soil near the town of Leupp, AZ. The blocks created have been stabilized with cement as well as cement kiln dust (CKD). CKD is a waste byproduct of commercial cement production making it a more sustainable choice for adobe brick stabalization. Cement stabalization and CKD stabalization were compared for strength. Blockhead Design hopes to pave a path for future capstone projects regarding adobe construction in Coconino County, AZ.



Client


Mark Lamer PE

Northern Arizona University



tECHNICAL aDVISOR


Alarick Reiboldt

Northern Arizona University