Earthen MasonryBWh (Hot Desert)BSh (Hot Semi-Arid)
Vernacular Sun-Dried Adobe Mud Brick (Sahelian Grain)
Brique d'Adobe Traditionnelle / Ferey (Bambara)
Primary Geographic Coverage: Mali Niger Chad Burkina Faso Northern Nigeria
Compressive Strength
1.85 MPa
Wet yield: 0.45 MPa (Ratio: 24%)Thermal Conductivity (λ)
0.52 W/m·K
Diffusivity: 0.325 mm²/sThermal Phase Lag (30cm)
10.1 hrs
U-Value: 1.38 W/m²·KCarbon vs. Concrete
-93.3%
Embodied: 0.015 kgCO2e/kgSoil Mechanics & Physics
| Soil Classification: | Alluvial silt-loam with organic chaff and fibrous straw binder |
| Liquid Limit (LL): | 36% |
| Plastic Limit (PL): | 22% |
| Plasticity Index (PI): | 14% |
| Optimum Moisture Content: | % |
| Proctor Dry Density: | 1680 kg/m³ |
Thermal Thermodynamics
| Conductivity (λ): | 0.52 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c): | 1000 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Diffusivity (α): | 0.325 mm²/s |
| Volumetric Heat Capacity: | 1600 kJ/m³·K |
| 30cm Wall U-Value: | 1.38 W/m²·K |
| Phase Delay (30cm Wall): | 10.1 Hours |
Tectonic Specifications & Architectural Engineering
Bioclimatic Engineering Strategy
The monumental thickness (40-60cm) of Sahelian adobe provides complete 12-hour diurnal phase shift: external peaks of 44°C at 14:00 arrive indoors as 25°C at 02:00.
Mortar Formulation & Stabilization Mix
Fermented mud mortar with shea butter or locust bean gum waterproofing wash
Curing, Quality Control & Erosion Protection
Academic References & Lab Data Sources
- Bourgeois, J.-L.; Pelos, C. Spectacular Vernacular: The Adobe Tradition. Aperture, 1989.
- Moevus, M.; Fontaine, L.; Anger, R.; Doat, P. Béton d’Argile Environnemental (B.A.E.); CRAterre, ENSAG, 2013.