These projects are being progressed with the assistance of the University of Glamorgan.
We are working to help improve the following:
- Compressed Bricks
- Roads
Compressed Bricks
Conventional bricks require a considerable amount of energy in order to fire them, with all the consequential effects on the environment. This often involves the consumption of valuable local firewood. Local NGOs are already using a new technology of compressed bricks instead of fired bricks. This has the potential to be much more environmentally sustainable.
We are assisting in evaluating the performance of these, and in particular are investigating whether alternative local ingredients can be used in the mix. This has the potential to reduce the cost of producing the bricks, as well as further reducing the environmental impact.
Roads
Roads are a fundamental part of a country's infrastructure. An effective transport system is neccessary to facilitate the trade links required for generating anything above the most mininal of income.
The main arterial roads in Uganda are surfaced with tarmac, but despite this the majority are in a poor condition with many pot holes. Once you move off these onto the local roads the condition worsens substantially.
The local roads are made of Murram. This is basically a mix of mud/clay and chippings which deteriorates quickly when subject to even moderate vehiclular traffic. Often speeds are reduced to little more than a gentle jog. During the rainy season the surface frequently becomes so slippery as to make the roads totally impassable.
Getting the right constituents, in the correct proportions, into the mix is fundamental to making a surface with any useful lifespan. However, repairs are often made simply with the materials that are immediately available at the roadside. Hence any repair rapidly degrades.
We are investigating what alternative local materials can be used to make the murram more effective and more environmentally sustainable.
