Auroville Earth Institute

Areas of Work: earth-based building technologies, among the most cost effective, low carbon, low embodied energy solutions for sustainable development.

The Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI) is a non-profit organization specializing in the research, development, promotion, and transfer of earth-based building technologies, among the most cost-effective, low-carbon, low embodied energy solutions for sustainable development.

Over the last 31 years, AVEI has become one of the world’s top centers for excellence in earthen architecture, working in 36 countries to promote and disseminate knowledge in the construction of sustainable habitats. As the Representative and Resource Centre for Asia of the UNESCO Chair “Earthen Architecture, Constructive Cultures, and Sustainable Development”, AVEI aims to empower local stakeholders through an international network of experts. The work of the Earth Institute has attempted to revive traditional skills and to link vernacular traditions of raw earth construction with modern technologies of stabilised earth.

The various courses held in Auroville aim to introduce and promote the technology of raw and stabilized earth to build with. The AURAM equipment for earth construction and the technologies taught have been developed by the Auroville Earth Institute.

The Institute conducts Theory and Practical oriental intensive courses On-Campus and Online Theory and Design class.There is a special blended course with online theory components and on-campus practical components.

All the courses are offered on the two following components

CSEB = Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks

AVD = Arches, Vaults and Domes

Accepting Volunteers: Yes
Website: http://www.earth-auroville.com/
Email: training@earth-auroville.com
Phone: 91 (0) 413 - 262 3330 / 262 3064

Courses

Construction

Designing with CSEB - Online Course

Nov 29, 2021 . 4 Weeks . Remote

COURSE CONTENT: The CSEB Design online course covers all aspects of best-practice for the design of buildings built with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB). Topics addressed include a general overview of earthen architecture, overall guidelines for earth construction, specific guidelines for CSEB construction, structural principles, detailing, and cost estimation of CSEB buildings. This is a self-paced online training course. Course materials will be presented to enrolled students through AVEI’s online learning platform. Students will need to log in to this system and will then be able to access videos and reading materials, engaging with the material through quizzes, design exercises, and instructor-moderated discussion forums. Individual feedback sessions will be offered to students as they progress through the exercises to ensure full understanding. Students may start the course material on any date during the enrolment period and complete the course at their own speed, but must finish all lectures and assignments within the maximum duration of 4 weeks in order to receive a certificate. Video lectures and presentations will be given on the following subjects: – Tradition & modernity of earthen architecture around the world – General design for earth buildings – Dimensioning a building & bond patterns – Project study example with AutoCAD Students will be able to engage with the material through a design studio or “charette” for student designs (based on the AVEI concept plan): – Bond patterns – Foundation plan & calculation – Basement, plinth ring beam and reinforcement – Lintel ring beam, precast lintels and reinforcement Additionally, students will be exposed to a vast array of examples of CSEB buildings through case studies on the following topics: – Vikas Community – Realization Community – Al Medy Mosque – Nataraja temple PARTICIPANTS: Recommended for students, architects, civil engineers, professional/ construction managers with design background in architecture and proficiency in AutoCAD. DURATION: Self-paced, over a maximum of 4 weeks OTHER INFORMATION: All classes are held in English. Manuals and other training materials are distributed to students. A certificate is given at the end of the course.

Construction

Designing with CSEB - Online Course

Nov 29, 2021 . 4 Weeks . Remote

COURSE CONTENT: The CSEB Design online course covers all aspects of best-practice for the design of buildings built with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB). Topics addressed include a general overview of earthen architecture, overall guidelines for earth construction, specific guidelines for CSEB construction, structural principles, detailing, and cost estimation of CSEB buildings. This is a self-paced online training course. Course materials will be presented to enrolled students through AVEI’s online learning platform. Students will need to log in to this system and will then be able to access videos and reading materials, engaging with the material through quizzes, design exercises, and instructor-moderated discussion forums. Individual feedback sessions will be offered to students as they progress through the exercises to ensure full understanding. Students may start the course material on any date during the enrolment period and complete the course at their own speed, but must finish all lectures and assignments within the maximum duration of 4 weeks in order to receive a certificate. Video lectures and presentations will be given on the following subjects: – Tradition & modernity of earthen architecture around the world – General design for earth buildings – Dimensioning a building & bond patterns – Project study example with AutoCAD Students will be able to engage with the material through a design studio or “charette” for student designs (based on the AVEI concept plan): – Bond patterns – Foundation plan & calculation – Basement, plinth ring beam and reinforcement – Lintel ring beam, precast lintels and reinforcement Additionally, students will be exposed to a vast array of examples of CSEB buildings through case studies on the following topics: – Vikas Community – Realization Community – Al Medy Mosque – Nataraja temple PARTICIPANTS: Recommended for students, architects, civil engineers, professional/ construction managers with design background in architecture and proficiency in AutoCAD. DURATION: Self-paced, over a maximum of 4 weeks OTHER INFORMATION: All classes are held in English. Manuals and other training materials are distributed to students. A certificate is given at the end of the course.
Construction

Arches, Vaults & Domes – Intensive

Nov 15, 2021 . 6 Days

The Auroville Earth Institute attempts to revive these forms, techniques, and craftsmen skills with the following aims: To increase global awareness of the low-cost, low-carbon possibilities of masonry flooring and roofing. To research and develop constructive techniques with the aim to integrate 21st century technologies with age-old building techniques, such as those developed in ancient Egypt or medieval Europe. To design large-span structures, with structurally optimized thickness and integrated construction methods. Course Content: ​The AVD Intensive course is a combination of our two, one-week programs on AVD Theory and AVD Masonry. It is a “sweetened-condensed” and simplified course combining theory and practice; not all of the sessions of the two-week course can be taught in one week. This course covers the structural design of vaulted masonry along with integrated principles of construction and includes hands-on sessions on the construction of arches, vaults, and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). The first four days are spent learning structural basics and performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). This part of the course is more theoretical with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: – Diversity and typologies of arches, vaults and domes – Basic structural principles of arches and vaults – Evaluation of the stability of domes – Neutralisation of the thrust – Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) – Catenary method (theory only) – Funicular method (theory and practice) – Optimisation method (theory and practice) – Case studies The two remaining days are practical, hands-on sessions in which trainees study constructive principles and build various types of arches, vaults and domes: – Masonry pattern for an optimised arch – Construction principles, building techniques, binder quality – Building various types and spans of arches on centrings – Building various types of vaults and domes without centring Participants: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Duration: Six-day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. (As it is named, this course is really intensive!) Other Information: All classes are held in English. Manuals and other training materials are distributed to students. A certificate is given at the end of the course. For more details, please visit the Auroville Earth Institute website or contact us. For the course fee - please contact Auroville Earth Institute in the email /contact number provided below.

Construction

Arches, Vaults & Domes – Intensive

Nov 15, 2021 . 6 Days

The Auroville Earth Institute attempts to revive these forms, techniques, and craftsmen skills with the following aims: To increase global awareness of the low-cost, low-carbon possibilities of masonry flooring and roofing. To research and develop constructive techniques with the aim to integrate 21st century technologies with age-old building techniques, such as those developed in ancient Egypt or medieval Europe. To design large-span structures, with structurally optimized thickness and integrated construction methods. Course Content: ​The AVD Intensive course is a combination of our two, one-week programs on AVD Theory and AVD Masonry. It is a “sweetened-condensed” and simplified course combining theory and practice; not all of the sessions of the two-week course can be taught in one week. This course covers the structural design of vaulted masonry along with integrated principles of construction and includes hands-on sessions on the construction of arches, vaults, and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). The first four days are spent learning structural basics and performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). This part of the course is more theoretical with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: – Diversity and typologies of arches, vaults and domes – Basic structural principles of arches and vaults – Evaluation of the stability of domes – Neutralisation of the thrust – Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) – Catenary method (theory only) – Funicular method (theory and practice) – Optimisation method (theory and practice) – Case studies The two remaining days are practical, hands-on sessions in which trainees study constructive principles and build various types of arches, vaults and domes: – Masonry pattern for an optimised arch – Construction principles, building techniques, binder quality – Building various types and spans of arches on centrings – Building various types of vaults and domes without centring Participants: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Duration: Six-day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. (As it is named, this course is really intensive!) Other Information: All classes are held in English. Manuals and other training materials are distributed to students. A certificate is given at the end of the course. For more details, please visit the Auroville Earth Institute website or contact us. For the course fee - please contact Auroville Earth Institute in the email /contact number provided below.
Skills & Crafts, Construction

AVD- Arches, Vaults & Domes – Masonry

Oct 23, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Masonry course is a practical, hands-on week in which trainees study constructive principles and techniques, and build various types and scales of arches, vaults and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Students comfortable with the academic level often take the AVD Theory course in tandem with this one. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. Course content: - Construction principles for building Arches Vaults & Domes - Building various arches with centring - Building various vaults without centring (learning basics) - Building various vaults without centring (creative work) - Building various domes without centring

Skills & Crafts, Construction

AVD- Arches, Vaults & Domes – Masonry

Oct 23, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Masonry course is a practical, hands-on week in which trainees study constructive principles and techniques, and build various types and scales of arches, vaults and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Students comfortable with the academic level often take the AVD Theory course in tandem with this one. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. Course content: - Construction principles for building Arches Vaults & Domes - Building various arches with centring - Building various vaults without centring (learning basics) - Building various vaults without centring (creative work) - Building various domes without centring
Skills & Crafts, Construction

AVD - Arched Vaults and Domes – Theory

Oct 18, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Theory course covers the structural design and construction of vaulted earthen masonry. It offers an in-depth understanding of various methods of stability analysis for arches, vaults, and domes following the principles of Limit Analysis of Masonry. It is one of the few courses globally which combine the structural design of AVD with integrated principles of construction. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Many students take the AVD Masonry course in tandem with this course. Eligibility: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Otherwise strong skills in mathematics and geometry are required. Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. What to Bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is highly recommended. Otherwise, participants will be provided with drawing materials. Course content: The first four days are spent on an in-depth review of structural basics and various analysis methods for the stability of AVD, with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: - Symbolism & historical development - Terminology & Typology - Basic structural principles - Diversity of arches - Diversity of vaults and domes - Vaults and domes from earth (Video) - Evaluation of the stability of domes - Neutralisation of the thrust - Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) - Catenary method (theory only) - Funicular method (theory and practice) - Optimisation method (theory and practice) The second half of the week is spent performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). At the end of each day, case studies are given on the following topics: - Gaudi’s work in Barcelona - AVD in Iran - Dome of the Dhyanalinga temple - Vaults of the Earth Institute Training Centre - Equilateral vault - Bucket pointed vault - Equilateral groined vault - Semicircular vault - Segmental groined dome - Gayatri dome

Skills & Crafts, Construction

AVD - Arched Vaults and Domes – Theory

Oct 18, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Theory course covers the structural design and construction of vaulted earthen masonry. It offers an in-depth understanding of various methods of stability analysis for arches, vaults, and domes following the principles of Limit Analysis of Masonry. It is one of the few courses globally which combine the structural design of AVD with integrated principles of construction. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Many students take the AVD Masonry course in tandem with this course. Eligibility: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Otherwise strong skills in mathematics and geometry are required. Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. What to Bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is highly recommended. Otherwise, participants will be provided with drawing materials. Course content: The first four days are spent on an in-depth review of structural basics and various analysis methods for the stability of AVD, with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: - Symbolism & historical development - Terminology & Typology - Basic structural principles - Diversity of arches - Diversity of vaults and domes - Vaults and domes from earth (Video) - Evaluation of the stability of domes - Neutralisation of the thrust - Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) - Catenary method (theory only) - Funicular method (theory and practice) - Optimisation method (theory and practice) The second half of the week is spent performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). At the end of each day, case studies are given on the following topics: - Gaudi’s work in Barcelona - AVD in Iran - Dome of the Dhyanalinga temple - Vaults of the Earth Institute Training Centre - Equilateral vault - Bucket pointed vault - Equilateral groined vault - Semicircular vault - Segmental groined dome - Gayatri dome
Construction

CSEB Masonry

Oct 11, 2021 . 6 Days

The CSEB Masonry course is a practical, hands-on training course for masonry with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) and other stabilised earth techniques which have been developed and mastered by the Earth Institute. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Production course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Course content: The week is predominantly hands-on, with demonstrations and student work on the following topics: - Stabilised earth technologies - Tests for mortar - Mortar quality - Bond patterns for walls - Stabilised rammed earth foundations - Building a basement - Building a plinth beam with U-blocks - Casting a RCC plinth beam in U-blocks - Steel preparation for lintels and columns - Pre-casting various composite lintels - Building two composite columns of 24 cm diameter - Building two composite columns of 29 cm diameter - Ramming stabilised rammed earth walls and building a CSEB wall - Building a CSEB wall and stabilised earth plaster - Building arches - Building a free spanning vault & dome - Evaluation of mortar test samples

Construction

CSEB Masonry

Oct 11, 2021 . 6 Days

The CSEB Masonry course is a practical, hands-on training course for masonry with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) and other stabilised earth techniques which have been developed and mastered by the Earth Institute. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Production course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Course content: The week is predominantly hands-on, with demonstrations and student work on the following topics: - Stabilised earth technologies - Tests for mortar - Mortar quality - Bond patterns for walls - Stabilised rammed earth foundations - Building a basement - Building a plinth beam with U-blocks - Casting a RCC plinth beam in U-blocks - Steel preparation for lintels and columns - Pre-casting various composite lintels - Building two composite columns of 24 cm diameter - Building two composite columns of 29 cm diameter - Ramming stabilised rammed earth walls and building a CSEB wall - Building a CSEB wall and stabilised earth plaster - Building arches - Building a free spanning vault & dome - Evaluation of mortar test samples
Construction

CSEB Production

Oct 04, 2021 . 6 Days

The CSEB Production course covers theory and practice of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), a low-cost, low-carbon modern earth construction technique, which are made from a mix of soil, sand and water, stabilised with ~5% cement, and compressed manually or with a hydraulic press. The course covers basics on soil characteristics, design, calculation, block production, quality control, etc. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Masonry course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Classes start at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM. Course content: The two first days are more theoretical with lectures, presentations and individual exercises: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Building with earth in Auroville - Sustainability and environmental friendliness - Resource management - Basic data on CSEB - Raw material and soil identification - Soil stabilisation (Stabilisers, Principles, Calculation and exercises) - Products & equipment - Blockyard organisation & Production line - Quality control principles - Improving and stabilising soils - Mortar quality - Block-laying & design guidelines - Cost analysis & Economic feasibility study The four following days are practical in nature, with demonstrations and hands-on sessions: - Handling, adjustment and maintenance of the presses - Safety demonstration - Testing typical soils with a press - Sites visit by trainees - Production of blocks: acquisition of know-how - Production of various blocks (round, interlocking, hollow, etc.) - Production of special blocks (U, pipe inserts, chamfer, flashing, coping, tile, etc.) - Production of blocks: optimisation of production = 100 Blocks per hour - Quality control with the field block tester Identification of typical soils with sensitive analysis is taught at the end of each day. Through practice, trainees will feel more and more confident to carry out soil analysis independently.

Construction

CSEB Production

Oct 04, 2021 . 6 Days

The CSEB Production course covers theory and practice of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), a low-cost, low-carbon modern earth construction technique, which are made from a mix of soil, sand and water, stabilised with ~5% cement, and compressed manually or with a hydraulic press. The course covers basics on soil characteristics, design, calculation, block production, quality control, etc. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Masonry course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Classes start at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM. Course content: The two first days are more theoretical with lectures, presentations and individual exercises: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Building with earth in Auroville - Sustainability and environmental friendliness - Resource management - Basic data on CSEB - Raw material and soil identification - Soil stabilisation (Stabilisers, Principles, Calculation and exercises) - Products & equipment - Blockyard organisation & Production line - Quality control principles - Improving and stabilising soils - Mortar quality - Block-laying & design guidelines - Cost analysis & Economic feasibility study The four following days are practical in nature, with demonstrations and hands-on sessions: - Handling, adjustment and maintenance of the presses - Safety demonstration - Testing typical soils with a press - Sites visit by trainees - Production of blocks: acquisition of know-how - Production of various blocks (round, interlocking, hollow, etc.) - Production of special blocks (U, pipe inserts, chamfer, flashing, coping, tile, etc.) - Production of blocks: optimisation of production = 100 Blocks per hour - Quality control with the field block tester Identification of typical soils with sensitive analysis is taught at the end of each day. Through practice, trainees will feel more and more confident to carry out soil analysis independently.
Construction

CSEB Production

Aug 23, 2021 . 12 Days . Remote

The CSEB Production course covers theory and practice of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), a low-cost, low-carbon modern earth construction technique, which are made from a mix of soil, sand and water, stabilised with ~5% cement, and compressed manually or with a hydraulic press. The course covers basics on soil characteristics, design, calculation, block production, quality control, etc. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Masonry course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Classes start at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM. Course content: The two first days are more theoretical with lectures, presentations and individual exercises: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Building with earth in Auroville - Sustainability and environmental friendliness - Resource management - Basic data on CSEB - Raw material and soil identification - Soil stabilisation (Stabilisers, Principles, Calculation and exercises) - Products & equipment - Blockyard organisation & Production line - Quality control principles - Improving and stabilising soils - Mortar quality - Block-laying & design guidelines - Cost analysis & Economic feasibility study The four following days are practical in nature, with demonstrations and hands-on sessions: - Handling, adjustment and maintenance of the presses - Safety demonstration - Testing typical soils with a press - Sites visit by trainees - Production of blocks: acquisition of know-how - Production of various blocks (round, interlocking, hollow, etc.) - Production of special blocks (U, pipe inserts, chamfer, flashing, coping, tile, etc.) - Production of blocks: optimisation of production = 100 Blocks per hour - Quality control with the field block tester Identification of typical soils with sensitive analysis is taught at the end of each day. Through practice, trainees will feel more and more confident to carry out soil analysis independently.

Construction

CSEB Production

Aug 23, 2021 . 12 Days . Remote

The CSEB Production course covers theory and practice of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), a low-cost, low-carbon modern earth construction technique, which are made from a mix of soil, sand and water, stabilised with ~5% cement, and compressed manually or with a hydraulic press. The course covers basics on soil characteristics, design, calculation, block production, quality control, etc. This course is often taken in tandem with the CSEB Masonry course. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Classes start at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM. Course content: The two first days are more theoretical with lectures, presentations and individual exercises: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Building with earth in Auroville - Sustainability and environmental friendliness - Resource management - Basic data on CSEB - Raw material and soil identification - Soil stabilisation (Stabilisers, Principles, Calculation and exercises) - Products & equipment - Blockyard organisation & Production line - Quality control principles - Improving and stabilising soils - Mortar quality - Block-laying & design guidelines - Cost analysis & Economic feasibility study The four following days are practical in nature, with demonstrations and hands-on sessions: - Handling, adjustment and maintenance of the presses - Safety demonstration - Testing typical soils with a press - Sites visit by trainees - Production of blocks: acquisition of know-how - Production of various blocks (round, interlocking, hollow, etc.) - Production of special blocks (U, pipe inserts, chamfer, flashing, coping, tile, etc.) - Production of blocks: optimisation of production = 100 Blocks per hour - Quality control with the field block tester Identification of typical soils with sensitive analysis is taught at the end of each day. Through practice, trainees will feel more and more confident to carry out soil analysis independently.

Construction

Designing with CSEB

Jul 26, 2021 . 27 Days . Remote

The CSEB Design course covers all aspects of best-practice for the design of buildings built with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB). Topics addressed include a general overview of earthen architecture, overall guidelines for earth construction, specific guidelines for CSEB construction, structural principles, detailing, and cost estimation of CSEB buildings. Eligibility: Recommended for students, architects, civil engineers, professional/ construction managers with design background in architecture and proficiency in AutoCAD. Enrolment: A minimum of 12 trainees is required, with a maximum of 30(this information may be subject to change). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 9:00am to 5:30pm. What to bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is compulsory. Course contents: The first half of this week combines theoretical lectures, presentations, practical exercises, and personal work with instructor's supervision and feedback, to give trainees the tools to design their own CSEB buildings: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Tradition & modernity of earthen architecture around the world - General design for earth buildings - Dimensioning a building & bond patterns - Hands-on bond pattern exercise (with actual blocks) - A case study on built projects - Project study example with AutoCAD - Structural components and principles - Demonstration of block making, building a plinth beam and a CSEB wall - Site visit The second half of the week includes a design studio or “charette” for student designs (based on the AVEI concept plan): - Bond patterns - Foundation plan & calculation - Basement, plinth ring beam and reinforcement - Lintel ring beam, precast lintels and reinforcement Note: All presentations and information given in this course are different from the four other regular courses. No stability studies of arches, vaults and domes are conducted during this course, as this topic is taught during AVD Theory course. No special study is done for earthquake prone areas, as this topic is taught during the course for disaster resistance, which can be organized upon request.

Construction

Designing with CSEB

Jul 26, 2021 . 27 Days . Remote

The CSEB Design course covers all aspects of best-practice for the design of buildings built with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB). Topics addressed include a general overview of earthen architecture, overall guidelines for earth construction, specific guidelines for CSEB construction, structural principles, detailing, and cost estimation of CSEB buildings. Eligibility: Recommended for students, architects, civil engineers, professional/ construction managers with design background in architecture and proficiency in AutoCAD. Enrolment: A minimum of 12 trainees is required, with a maximum of 30(this information may be subject to change). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 9:00am to 5:30pm. What to bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is compulsory. Course contents: The first half of this week combines theoretical lectures, presentations, practical exercises, and personal work with instructor's supervision and feedback, to give trainees the tools to design their own CSEB buildings: - Auroville Earth Institute presentation - Tradition & modernity of earthen architecture around the world - General design for earth buildings - Dimensioning a building & bond patterns - Hands-on bond pattern exercise (with actual blocks) - A case study on built projects - Project study example with AutoCAD - Structural components and principles - Demonstration of block making, building a plinth beam and a CSEB wall - Site visit The second half of the week includes a design studio or “charette” for student designs (based on the AVEI concept plan): - Bond patterns - Foundation plan & calculation - Basement, plinth ring beam and reinforcement - Lintel ring beam, precast lintels and reinforcement Note: All presentations and information given in this course are different from the four other regular courses. No stability studies of arches, vaults and domes are conducted during this course, as this topic is taught during AVD Theory course. No special study is done for earthquake prone areas, as this topic is taught during the course for disaster resistance, which can be organized upon request.
Construction

Arched Vaults and Domes

Jun 28, 2021 . 6 Days . Remote

The AVD Theory course covers the structural design and construction of vaulted earthen masonry. It offers an in-depth understanding of various methods of stability analysis for arches, vaults and domes following the principles of Limit Analysis of Masonry. It is one of the few courses globally which combine structural design of AVD with integrated principles of construction. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Many students take the AVD Masonry course in tandem with this course. Eligibility: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Otherwise strong skills in mathematics and geometry are required. Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. What to Bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is highly recommended. Otherwise, participants will be provided with drawing materials. Course content: The first four days are spent on an in-depth review of structural basics and various analysis methods for the stability of AVD, with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: - Symbolism & historical development - Terminology & Typology - Basic structural principles - Diversity of arches - Diversity of vaults and domes - Vaults and domes from earth (Video) - Evaluation of the stability of domes - Neutralisation of the thrust - Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) - Catenary method (theory only) - Funicular method (theory and practice) - Optimisation method (theory and practice) The second half of the week is spent performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). At the end of each day, case studies are given on the following topics: - Gaudi’s work in Barcelona - AVD in Iran - Dome of the Dhyanalinga temple - Vaults of the Earth Institute Training Centre - Equilateral vault - Bucket pointed vault - Equilateral groined vault - Semicircular vault - Segmental groined dome - Gayatri dome

Construction

Arched Vaults and Domes

Jun 28, 2021 . 6 Days . Remote

The AVD Theory course covers the structural design and construction of vaulted earthen masonry. It offers an in-depth understanding of various methods of stability analysis for arches, vaults and domes following the principles of Limit Analysis of Masonry. It is one of the few courses globally which combine structural design of AVD with integrated principles of construction. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Many students take the AVD Masonry course in tandem with this course. Eligibility: Recommended only for engineers, architects or students. Otherwise strong skills in mathematics and geometry are required. Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. What to Bring: Laptop with AutoCAD is highly recommended. Otherwise, participants will be provided with drawing materials. Course content: The first four days are spent on an in-depth review of structural basics and various analysis methods for the stability of AVD, with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises: - Symbolism & historical development - Terminology & Typology - Basic structural principles - Diversity of arches - Diversity of vaults and domes - Vaults and domes from earth (Video) - Evaluation of the stability of domes - Neutralisation of the thrust - Various details about AVD (acoustic formulas) - Catenary method (theory only) - Funicular method (theory and practice) - Optimisation method (theory and practice) The second half of the week is spent performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback). At the end of each day, case studies are given on the following topics: - Gaudi’s work in Barcelona - AVD in Iran - Dome of the Dhyanalinga temple - Vaults of the Earth Institute Training Centre - Equilateral vault - Bucket pointed vault - Equilateral groined vault - Semicircular vault - Segmental groined dome - Gayatri dome
Construction

Arches, Vaults and Domes Masonry

Mar 15, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Masonry course is a practical, hands-on week in which trainees study constructive principles and techniques, and build various types and scales of arches, vaults and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Students comfortable with the academic level often take the AVD Theory course in tandem with this one. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. Course content: - Construction principles for building Arches Vaults & Domes - Building various arches with centring - Building various vaults without centring (learning basics) - Building various vaults without centring (creative work) - Building various domes without centring

Construction

Arches, Vaults and Domes Masonry

Mar 15, 2021 . 6 Days

The AVD Masonry course is a practical, hands-on week in which trainees study constructive principles and techniques, and build various types and scales of arches, vaults and domes. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Students comfortable with the academic level often take the AVD Theory course in tandem with this one. Eligibility: All skill levels are welcome (e.g. engineers, architects, technicians, supervisors, masons, students and laymen). Duration: Six day course; Classes from 8:30am to 6:15pm. Course content: - Construction principles for building Arches Vaults & Domes - Building various arches with centring - Building various vaults without centring (learning basics) - Building various vaults without centring (creative work) - Building various domes without centring