N.M. Admin. Code § 14.7.4.23 - COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK CONSTRUCTION (CEB)
A.
General. Compressed earth
block shall not be used in any building more than two stories in height. The
height of every wall of compressed earth block without lateral support shall be
defined in Table 1 of Subsection B of
14.7.4.8
NMAC. The height of the wall is defined as the distance from the top of the
slab or top of stem wall to the underside of the bond beam. Heights for
exterior walls, which are laterally supported with those supports located no
more than 24 feet apart, are defined in Table 1 of Subsection B of
14.7.4.8
NMAC. The bottom story of a two-story is allowed a minimum thickness of 14
inches with the upper story allowed a thickness of 10 inches, providing the
structure meets the provisions of Table 1 of Subsection B of
14.7.4.8
NMAC. Passive solar structures incorporating the use of solar mass walls
(trombe), direct gain arrays or sunspaces (greenhouses) as defined by the
passive solar heating worksheet, dated June 2004 and prepared by the state of
New Mexico energy, minerals and natural resources department, are
allowed.
B.
Fireplaces. Adobe or masonry fireplaces and chimneys in compressed
earth block structures shall comply with
14.7.3.18
NMAC. They shall be integrated into adjacent compressed earth block walls
during construction or secured to them by suitable steel ladder reinforcement
or reinforcing rods.
C.
Count
Rumford fireplaces. Count Rumford fireplaces are allowed as designated
in
14.7.3.18
NMAC.
D.
Stop work.
The building inspector shall have the authority to issue a "stop work" order if
the provisions of this section are not complied with.
E.
Stabilized compressed earth
blocks. The term "stabilized" is defined to mean a block with certain
admixtures that retains minimum strength requirements as specified in
Subsection J of 14.7.4.23 NMAC after saturation in water. Saturation is defined
as a minimum 4 hours of submersion in water as defined in ASTM
D1633-00.
F.
Unstabilized
compressed earth blocks. Unstabilized blocks are defined as not meeting
the minimum strength requirements as defined in Subsection J of 14.7.4.23 NMAC
after saturation in water. Use of unstabilized compressed earth blocks is
prohibited within four inches of the finished floor grade. Stabilized
compressed earth blocks, poured concrete, or waterproof masonry units and
mortar may be used for the first four inches above floor grade.
G.
Materials. The material must
be a mineral soil with the aggregate content not exceeding one inch in
diameter. The material shall not contain more than two percent soluble
salts.
H.
Testing.
Each of the tests prescribed in this section shall be applied to sample units
selected at random of five units per building project prior to construction.
Test may be waived if block manufacturer provides certification of compliance.
The certification must be dated within one year of the date on the application
for the building permit.
I.
Shrinkage cracks. Shrinkage cracks are allowed, providing that
these cracks do not jeopardize the structural integrity of the
blocks.
J.
Compressive
strength. Cured units shall have a minimum compressive strength of 300
pounds per square inch when tested. The compressed earth block shall be tested
in the flat position. The length of the test unit must be a minimum of twice
the width. The surfaces must be smooth. The test unit shall be subjected to a
uniform compressive load that is gradually increased at a rate of 500
psi/minute until failure occurs. A true platen should be used in the testing
machine, along with swivel head to accommodate nonparallel bearing surfaces.
The compressive strength is defined as P/A, where P = load and A - area of
compression surface.
K.
Modulus of rupture. Units shall have a minimum compressive
strength of 50 pounds per square inch in modulus of rupture when tested
according to the following procedures: A cured unit shall be laid over two-inch
diameter cylindrical supports two inches from each end and extending across the
full width of the unit. A cylinder two inches in diameter shall be laid midway
between and parallel to the supports. Load shall be applied to the cylinder at
a rate of 500 psi/minute until rupture occurs. The modulus of rupture is equal
to: 3PL/2bt2 (P= rupture load in pounds, L= span between supports, b= width of
block, t= thickness of block).
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