Engineers Australia graduate member Vick Sumanasena has identified a way to improve the structural integrity of mudbricks through his final-year thesis studies at Charles Darwin University.
“I conducted my thesis on improving the structural integrity of mudbricks, with the potential for expanded use across remote NT communities to help address housing issues,” Vick explains.
The research states the construction of housing in remote areas remains a challenge despite many years of improvement attempts by policy makers and engineers.
A major factor in success of remote projects is engagement with the community. Vick’s research reveals the use of locally available materials in construction attracts local engagement and reduces construction cost in remote areas.
Vick says, “mudbricks are already being produced in civil works by Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida. Their program is supporting local incomes, practical skills and use of natural resources.
“By testing compressive strength and erosion resistance of mudbricks made of laterite soil, the most abundant soil we have here, we found there’s potential to extend the use of mudbricks in future remote housing.”
“If we also add a little cement, they could hold strong against a range of harsh weather conditions.”
While mudbricks are not a common construction practice for remote housing, they are less expensive, easier to make on-site and increase community engagement by providing local jobs.
As a graduate member of Engineers Australia, Vick is also an avid volunteer with the Transport association’s NT chapter and a volunteer mentor with the Grads Give Back pilot program.
Vick says volunteering with Engineers Australia is a way of helping engineering students develop their career.
“I’m grateful to Engineers Australia for providing me with an abundance of opportunities to refine and shape my skills by providing the right mentoring and support,” he says.
Vick’s thesis paper has been published by Case Studies in Construction Materials.