Dutch Brick

Colloquial term for concrete stabilized soil used to form blocks. High strength concrete requires all the materials Calcium (Lime) Aluminum and Silicone (clay) to be calcined together but if strength requirements are minimal (such as creating a footing over compressed soil but under a hardened road bed.) Concrete powder can be mixed directly with soil to produce a material with an intermediate strength that may be more useful for broader support for structures.

Dutch bricks are building-blocks made, not of brick, but of a mixture of concrete, sand and soil. They are not Dutch; rather, the name results from the use of the word "Dutch" to mean "inferior". The mixture of concrete, sand and soil is also known as Mexican concrete when poured in larger moulds.

This form of mudbrick has been adapted widely by the peoples of the Sahel such as Mali and Mauritania. Its use has been popularized by Peace Corps volunteers working in the region. The similar process of Rammed earth is also widespread in the continent of Africa and developing countries.

Famous quotes containing the words dutch and/or brick:

    ‘Tis probable Religion after this
    Came next in order; which they could not miss.
    How could the Dutch but be converted, when
    The Apostles were so many fishermen?
    Besides the waters of themselves did rise,
    And, as their land, so them did re-baptize.
    Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)

    Man you ought to see his plans for allsteel buildins. He’s got an idea the skyscraper of the future’ll be built of steel and glass. We’ve been experimenting with vitrous tile recently... crist-amighty some of his plans would knock you out... He’s got a great sayin about some Roman emperor who found Rome of brick and left it of marble. Well he says he’s found New York of brick an that he’s goin to leave it of steel... steel an glass.
    John Dos Passos (1896–1970)