Testing: Papercrete
Papercrete is a recently developed construction material which consists of re-pulped paper fiber with Portland cement or clay and/or other soil added. First patented in 1928, it has been revived since the 1980s. If properly made, papercrete is a cheap, light, strong material which is a good insulator and resistant to fire and termites. Papercrete can sawed, sanded and holds nails like wood, rather than concrete.
By varying the the quantity of cement and the type and length of fibres and reenforcement blocks and panels with different properties can be made. This material usually has less compressive strength than concrete but much greater tensile and shear strength and more compressive strength
per unit weight. This is important because lighter walls reduce the need for foundations (which are typically a large part of building cost). Papercrete can also be domed, removing the need for a traditional roof, the other very expensive part of the building process.
Woman building a papercrete wall. The material is very light.
Testing twitter.
