The Compressed Earth Block (CEB) module of the Development Alternatives – Swiss Development corporation (SDC) Building Materials Project organised a training programme on the CEB technology from November 22nd to 27th, 1999 at Taragram, Orchha.

The training programme was conducted by Dr. Yogananda of Mrinmayee, Bangalore and the participants included the project team of the Module at Delhi and professionals from TARA Nirman Kendra, Delhi and TARA Gram Nirman Kendra, Orchha. The programme was co-ordinated by Mr. K. Maddapa and Ranjit Singh Rawat.
 
It was an opportunity to expose the participants to the latest developments in CEB technologies in terms of technological advances and best practices.
 
A presentation on the CEB activities in the Phillipines was made by Mr. Billy Tusalem and Mr. Lorreto Sanchez, which was followed by a discussion on activities that could yield better results and reasons for cracks and poor quality in earth construction.
 
The special focus of the training was on the production, problems, remedial measures, various construction techniques and precautions in earth construction. The importance of soil selection, quality of the ingredients in the CEB, stabilisation, and testing were deliberated upon. Field demonstration of some tests and Production processes using manual machines - Balram, Bamba and Auram, and the mechanised machine - Hydraform, were also presented at the venue.
 
The training programme, in the hands of the highly competent Dr. Yogananda, proved to be a good learning experience for the participants who were looking forward to enriching their field experiences with the latest in research and improvements.
 
The Technology Systems Branch at Development Alternatives can be contacted for further queries on any such training programmes. q