Hawkes, A. J. and Cox, D. R. S. (1992) A small-scale process for manufacturing woodwool/cement slabs in developing countries. Natural Resources Institute Bulletin Series (49) . Natural Resources Institute, Chatham MAritime, Kent. ISBN 0859543307 ISSN 0952-8245

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Abstract

Woodwool/cement slabs are made from a mixture of shredded timber (woodwool) and cement, shaped or formed by pressure into required thicknesses and sizes. They are a well-known product already used in many countries around the world. This bulletin outlines the work undertaken by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) on the development of a low-cost woodwool/cement slab manufacturing process appropriate for conditions in developing countries. Typically, 500 slabs (35m3 ) can be produced per week on a single shift employing 25 people. Demonstration plants have been introduced into Malawi and Zambia. Included in the bulletin are historical background information, details and test data on assessing the suitability of timbers, a description of the process developed and the reasons for the processing techniques employed. Methods of handling and the use of the slabs in the construction industry, particularly in relation to the lower-cost housing market in Zambia, are also outlined. One of the main attractions of the NRI small-scale wood wool/ cement slab process plant is the relatively low initial capita! investment required compared with larger, less labour-intensive processes used in Europe a0d'elsewhere. The principal aim has been to develop a low capital cost, labour-intensive plant which could largely be constructed using local manufacturing and craft skills, and operated and maintained on a routine basis by trained personnel.

Item Type:	Book
Additional Information:	© Crown copyright 1992
Uncontrolled Keywords:	woodwool, woodwool manufacture, cement slabs, cement slab manufacture, developing countries, technique, Zambia
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Livelihoods & Institutions Department
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	27 Nov 2019 16:37
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/11107

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