Project Details
Description
The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of using natural plant or animal fibres to develop sustainable construction and retrofit techniques targeting unreinforced masonry (UM) structures in Malawi, to increase the resilience against earthquakes, storms, and floods.
Non-engineered UM structures are the most popular construction dwelling typology in Malawi. Past devastating earthquakes (1500+ houses collapsed in the 2009 earthquake) and natural disasters (260,000+ houses damaged/destroyed by cyclone Freddy in 2023) have proven the high vulnerability of these structures and the need for effective strengthening solutions. There is also a need for more sustainable construction techniques based on unfired blocks to avoid recourse to fired brick, whose manufacturing has accelerated the loss of trees (Malawi risks of losing all its trees in 25- 30 years from the brick industry alone).
A study will be conducted to assess the fibres that could be locally available in Malawi and have the potential to be used within a circular economy framework. Different prototypes of unfired compressed blocks and plasters incorporating natural fibres will be created and tested. A workshop will be held in Malawi to disseminate the research outcomes and prepare the grounds for in-field testing and follow-on funding applications.
Funder: ISPF collaborative project between University of Strathclyde and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Funding: £24,986
Non-engineered UM structures are the most popular construction dwelling typology in Malawi. Past devastating earthquakes (1500+ houses collapsed in the 2009 earthquake) and natural disasters (260,000+ houses damaged/destroyed by cyclone Freddy in 2023) have proven the high vulnerability of these structures and the need for effective strengthening solutions. There is also a need for more sustainable construction techniques based on unfired blocks to avoid recourse to fired brick, whose manufacturing has accelerated the loss of trees (Malawi risks of losing all its trees in 25- 30 years from the brick industry alone).
A study will be conducted to assess the fibres that could be locally available in Malawi and have the potential to be used within a circular economy framework. Different prototypes of unfired compressed blocks and plasters incorporating natural fibres will be created and tested. A workshop will be held in Malawi to disseminate the research outcomes and prepare the grounds for in-field testing and follow-on funding applications.
Funder: ISPF collaborative project between University of Strathclyde and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Funding: £24,986
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 21/05/24 → 31/03/25 |
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 13 Climate Action
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