Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures
Volume 13, Numéro 3, Pages 517-534
2026-09-30
Preliminary Design Of Mud-wall Using Cob And Plastic Frame For Low Cost Housing
Authors : Matia Santu .
Abstract
This study proposes an innovative wall system that combines cob and rigid plastic (UPVC) frame to develop a sustainable and cost-effective wall for affordable housing. In this system, cob is infilled into the pockets of a UPVC frame, forming a composite structural element. Two wall types are proposed: type A, as an alternative for traditional load-bearing mud (or earth) walls in earthen houses, and type B, as an alternative to brick infill wall in RCC-framed structures. The design approach capitalizes on the tensile strength of UPVC, the compressive and shear strength of both cob and UPVC, and the buckling resistance provided by the cob. The wall is developed as modular units for ease of construction, dismantling and reinstallation. Structural analysis and design were carried out under dead, live, wind, and seismic loads, following relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and New Zealand Standard for engineering design of earth buildings. Results indicate that the proposed wall system is structurally stable and safe, with reduced thickness and material consumption compared to conventional mud (or earth) walls. The inclusion of UPVC enhances tensile resistance, addressing the inherent weakness of mud in tensile strength. Moreover, the system is more economical than traditional mud (or earth) wall technologies and significantly less expensive than traditional brick masonry, offering a potential sustainable alternative wall system for low cost housing in rural area.
Keywords
Cob ; Mud-wall ; Low-cost ; Plastic
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