Our Mission:
to make safe buildings simple-
buildings that increase self-respect and self-reliance
housing that is healthier and more affordable for all
We serve by consulting, training, testing and assisting with structural testing.
"Good building" that aids others should be built well, or it will harm them in the long run. Use:
Local materials
Local skills & tools
Local labor
But build sustainable buildings strong enough for local hazards!
2017 Testing Shows Contained Earth is Strong- and Very Different from Sandbags
Working with builders creating hundreds of needed buildings in Nepal, BSI has proof that strong soils are important, and that careful builders can use the NZ earth building standards to evaluate and improve their plan structurally. It's becoming clear what rebar detailing is best if you need high strength for medium or high risk of quakes: read the newest report!
White Paper Introducing Earthbag/ Contained Earth
Earth Walls Defying Earthquakes summarizes what contained earth is, what it isn't and the structural data we now have. Best intro for leaders about the potential for quake-resilient sustainable walls that don't cost much.
Structural Information for Earthbag/ Contained Earth is online!
Check out university research and recent BSI test results that can help you build safer for high risk areas.
Get involved and let BSI advise your student researchers to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge. let's build geo-textile earthen buildings that whup the next quake.
Simpler Field Soil Test Instructions Online Now!
Innovative techniques to evaluate soil strength with very simple equipment (buckets and a plank). See our new series explaining soil strength and qualities for builders and for designers like engineers and architects unfamiliar with earthen walls.Check out the images and files available today on our new soil test page.
Earthbag Survives Nepal's 2015 Quakes:
BSI is still working with trainers, ngos, and engineers to find out the safest and strongest ways to rebuild for Nepal.
Fall 2015 BSI test builds in NM
supply unique answers needed by Nepal.
More results coming soon.
Help us this spring with 3 hours, a full day, or a weekend!
Donations help pay for materials and laborers.
2909 Rio Vista Court SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
