Why don't we build homes using interlocking cement blocks?

https://www.quora.com/How-did-ancient-peoples-build-large-structures-like-bridges-and-theatres-that-today-require-simulation-software-to-get-right-Was-there-trial-and-error-involved/answer/Dian-Ardiansyah-3 ^

[GaryCrow]

ICF is gaining popularity along the MS, AL, & FL gulf coast due to the hurricanes. If I ever build another house that’s the way I’ll go.

[SunkenCiv]

The reason is, anthropogenic climate change! /rimshot

Leggo my Lego, or I guess, in this case, Duplo.

Thanks steve8714.

In the 1960s, a Canadian architect believed he'd solved the supposed housing crisis in the world by his invention of prestressed concrete prefab housing units -- and they stacked, so your solid unit was accessed by a series of stairs and ad hoc passageways between other units.

By an odd coincidence, I'm currently watching/listening to this:

Lost Worlds (Ep-14) The Seven Wonders

[SunkenCiv]

Habitat 67

Google

[SunkenCiv]

Roman Concrete keyword (yes, we have one):

• Paleomagnetism Study Supports Pyramid Man-Made Stone [2018]
• Finding a new formula for concrete [2016]
• Back to future with Roman architectural concrete [2014]
• To improve today's concrete, do as the Romans did [2013]
• The Riddle of Ancient Roman Concrete [2011]
• Volcanic ash may have preserved Roman ruins (Good cement) [2009]
• Researcher investigates ancient geology to understand human development, climate change [2008]
• Ancient Rome's Earliest Temple Reconstructed [2008]
• 'Caesar's superglue' find [2007]
• Research team recreates ancient underwater concrete technology [2005]

[zeugma]

My late wife was really interested in Monolithic Domes. They seem to be really cool, and would be pretty damned smart to use in places succeptable to fire like northern California.

[Pelham]

I suspect force of habit has a lot to do with it. Builders use materials that they are familiar with. People buy homes that look familiar to them.

Expanded Polystyrene concrete, EPS, is a modern material similar what is described in the article. Cement plus beads of polystyrene.

[Pelham]

In the 1920s my mother’s parents had an adobe house built in West Texas. Walls about a foot thick. The house maintained a comfortable temperature all year long. Thermal mass works wonders.

[Pelham]

tornadoes and dome houses

[Flick Lives]

Cool. Cement legos.

[Rebelbase]

Fifty years ago concrete block with anchors running from the footer to the roof sill was common building practice in Florida.

The greed of the ‘80s and ‘90s shifted to beefed up stick construction which isn’t hurricane proof.

[Rebelbase]

Looks Inca.

[VTenigma]

In short, thermal performance. That said, a variation of that concept has good thermal qualities for many regions of the country, ICF’s. Insulated Concrete Forms are building blocks that are stacked together and concrete placed inside. They not only provide excellent thermal characteristics but also great structural integrity against the forces of nature. Drawback, cost.

[VTenigma]

Rammed earth homes provide good thermal characteristics in high cooling degree day climates. Low mass homes Sips, some ICFs and super insulated homes are for high heating degree day climates.

[VTenigma]

Perfect

[VTenigma]

Not any, but many. ICF manufacturers would like people to believe ICFs are for any climate, but in high heating degree day climates performance is not as good as a low mass building.

[unread]

"Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), also known as autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC), autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC), autoclaved concrete, cellular concrete, porous concrete, Aircrete, Hebel Block, and Ytong is a lightweight, precast, Foam concrete building material invented in the mid-1920s that simultaneously provides structure, insulation, and fire-and mold-resistance." Wiki--

In my humble opinion, this is the perfect building matiral.. :)

[Texas Fossil]

I had never heard of it. Must be a fired brick like the clay tile blocks were. They were actually quite good. Not sure they are still made, I’ve never used them.

[Jacquerie]

The Florida building code in high hazard coastal areas is detailed and expensive, but does not involve interlocking cement blocks.

[SoCal Pubbie]

Rather cheesy, don’t you think?

[nicollo]

Temple of Borobudur is a remarkable construction, the largest Buddhist monument in the world.

I just wonder that if this guy can take credit for his Javanese ancestors’ handicraft, why am I not allowed to extol my own Anglo ancestors’ genius in the U.S. Constitution?