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).
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.