Sahara sand turned into building materials

The Sahara Desert isn't known as a great vacation spot or a hotbed for sustainable materials. It’s pretty much got one thing: Sand. Scientists have developed a way to turn that sand into a viable building material for low-cost housing.

Scientists from the University of Kasdi Merbah and the Polytechnic School of Algiers are using the sands of the Sahara to create a new type of brick. The brick is created using only sand, water and a binding material, but is structurally sound and affordable when compared to other materials and insulated. Algiers is deficient in building supplies because of its lack of raw materials. Since the country is two thirds sand, there should be no problem finding enough of the raw ingredients. 

The bricks could be a major opportunity for the country when it comes to new construction in Algiers. Currently, building materials made from wood and other non-renewable resources can be an environmental hazard, but with such an abundant supply of sand not only in Algiers, but throughout the world, it could have an environmental impact.

There is no short supply of sand in the desert and not much in the way of vegetation and ecosystems. There are animals that make the desert their homes, but efforts to maintain their habitats will have to be considered. There is no reason to destroy their habitat when there is such a large area of sand. There may be some fears of a strip mining type operation, but the material is out in the open and readily available. There is no need to excavate rock or use explosives.

It could also be a boon to worldwide construction as well. If the process needed to create the bricks is affordable enough, then it can be used in desert areas in the United States as well. Sand has long been used in the creation of concrete and other materials, but bricks made from pure sand could reduce pollution considerably. It not only may reduce in the creation of the bricks, but also heating and cooling, depending on its efficiency.

Photo courtesy of BeautyPlaces.