Proportions can also be checked by filling a jar full of the soil, adding water to the top of the jar, shaking for 2 to 3 minutes, and letting settle for an hour. 3) If you cannot classify the soil or get it classified, make a trial batch of bricks from your soil at least six months before you begin production for your building project. Geological Survey personnel) or get advice from someone who has had local experience at brickmaking. 2) If you cannot classify the soil yourself, seek guidance from someone with soil classification experience (county Extension agents, Soil Conservation Service personnel, or U.S. There are three important points to remember about these soil descriptions: 1) In none of the classifications does the clay content of the soil exceed 30 percent, or roughly one-third of the ingredients, and the major portion of each class (never less than 50 percent) is sand. Composition of Soils that Make Good Adobe Brick These textural names are given to soils that contain sand, clay, and silt within the ranges of percentages shown in Table 1.

Desirable soils for brickmaking are those classified as loamy sands, sandy loams, or sandy clay loams.

If sand is in excess, the bricks will erode easily in wet weather. They generally contain far too much clay and tend to shrink and crack severely as they dry. The proportions of sand, clay, and silt in these soils may vary widely.

In New Mexico, soils commonly called adobe soils are not well suited to brickmaking. To make durable bricks, you must know which soil types to use.

SoilsĪdobe bricks are made of native soil, sometimes with the addition of an organic additive. The essential steps that beginners should take in learning the art of adobe construction are presented here. As with any art, experience is a great aid to accomplishment. Reviewed by Thomas Dominguez College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State UniversityĪuthor: Extension agricultural agent, Quay County Extension Office, New Mexico State University.

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