Inorganic-bonded composite wood panel systems for low-cost housing: a Central American perspective
1998
Ramirez-Coretti, A. | Eckelman, C.A. | Wolfe, R.W.
The Central American region of the world has an acute housing shortage. Given the practical financial constraints that exist in this area, the solution to this ever-expanding housing problem lies in the development of low-cost building materials that are able to satisfy the many production, construction, economic, cultural, safety, and health requirements imposed by the natural barriers, lack of infrastructure, and lack of community services in this region. Composite wood-cement panels made from a mix of wood strands, chips or fibers, and cement appear to have the potential to satisfy these requirements. Specifically, they lend themselves to modular construction, satisfy the cultural preference for cement-based materials in the tropics, satisfy health and safety needs, provide resistance to attack by decay and fungi, and provide protection against combustion. To provide essential background information concerning the use of these materials, a preliminary study was conducted to assess some of the technical requirements for a wider use of inorganic-bonded composite wood panel systems in the Central American area. This article provides a general description of the Central American area and of its housing needs. Some experiences with the use of cement-bonded wood composites are described, along with material strength requirements, house design, and other considerations relative to the potential use of these materials to solve the endemic housing problem of this region of the world.
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