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!
News
BSI hopes to give student interns experience working with PR, computer modeling, video, bookkeeping and more. See the 2017/ 2018 introduction and job descriptions on our volunteer page.
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!
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 has worked with one aid organization that has built around a thousand homes for Nepalis since the earthquakes.
More research is needed to find out
the safest and strongest ways to rebuild for earthquake risk areas.
Donations help pay for materials and laborers.
2909 Rio Vista Court SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
