Ryan, You are correct that many homes have been successfully...

Ryan,
You are correct that many homes have been successfully built using shovels to mix the concrete.

These structures join the many that fail when built using the same technology.

Mixing on the ground is just one of the steps that contribute to concrete construction failure.

Mortar can be mixed in small quantities and not cause problems, but foundation ready-mix production requires larger batches to avoid cold joint failures.

Concrete block production needs quality control and the right compression.

Inconsistent batches where too much water or too little cement is added cause construction failure.

I would love to read the testing reports of ground mixed concrete from the structural engineers, most of whom live or work in structures that benefit from proper mixing technology.

If the tools are available and funding is there, why do we feel that the poor deserve less than we enjoy?

I am not faulting Food for the Poor. I understand that they use contractors and ask them to follow the codes.

This is great, they are doing great work and they have a good track record.

I only argue that others cut corners on concrete mixing and the results are huge piles of rubble that structural engineers say where caused by poor quality concrete materials.

Again...

If we can do something better why accept something that is potentially worst?

Building Back Better is supposed to be the motto of our efforts in Haiti.

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Hand mixed concrete has build thousands of 1-3 story...

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