Using Palm Leaves in Adobe Buildings

Adobe is one of the oldest building materials used in human history. Adobe buildings are more environmentally friendly and more suitable for human nature and saving energy. The geographic distribution of adobe architecture throughout the world has been parallel with relation to the availability of clay soil and straw used for adobe construction. In this study we have investigated if a more economical material such as date-palm leaves could be used for adobe structures instead of rice straw. Analyses of water absorption rates and strength tests of adobe with palm leaves and rice straw were performed.