Midwest Earth Builders' Compressed Earth Blocks

Midwest Earth Builders' Compressed Earth Blocks were selected as one of the Top 10 Green Building Products of 2008 by Sustainable Industries!  Located in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, Midwest Earth Builders manufactures CEBs as well as builds houses utilizing green materials and sustainable design.  Midwest Earth Builders use locally available materials mixed onsite and generate the CEBs using an earth block press.

The soil is prepared by mixing in a stabilizer such as lime or cement, which will decrease the erosion from weather and increase the compressive force of the block.  The moisture content of the soil mix at this time needs to be approximately 10%.

The soil mixture is added into the hopper of the press and is fed into a 4” x 14” mold were the soil is hydraulically pressed from two sides.  The block width can quickly be adjusted between 2-10 inches depending on necessary wall thickness. A minimum of two weeks curing time is required during which they are covered to maintain high humidity and temperature.

The walls are stacked like typical masonry producing a cavity wall with insulation, a solid earth wall, or as a hybrid incorporating different wall systems (photos provided by Midwest Earth Builders).

Visit www.midwestearthbuilders.com to learn more about CEBs and the production process.

Photos used with permission from Midwest Earth Builders

Midwest Earth Builders' CEB Technical Information:

Typical Block Dimensions:
14” x 4” x Variable Depth (2” to 10”)

Weight:
30 lbs for a 7”x14”x4” block

Compressive Strength:
700-1,500 p.s.i.

Information provided by Midwest Earth Builders