New Mexico Administrative Code › Title 14 - HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION › Chapter 7 - BUILDING CODES GENERAL › Part 4 - 2021 NEW MEXICO EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS CODE › Section 14.7.4.23 - COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK CONSTRUCTION (CEB)

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 13, July 16, 2024
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).