Requested research

Device design: Develop a portable and manually operated test device capable of performing tensile and compression tests on mortar samples in the field.

Energy independence: Ensure the solution operates without electricity or petrol, and is easy to clean, maintain, and repair.

Field usability: Create a design that is easily transportable, and simple to assemble or dismantle in rural and remote conditions.

Technical documentation: Produce detailed drawings and do-it-yourself guidelines for correct assembly, maintenance, calibration, and operation of the device and all related tools and processes.

Background: overall construction quality

A major reason why masonry buildings collapse during earthquakes is the poor quality of mortars. Good mortar requires proper materials, accurate mixing ratios, and correct application. But in rural and mountainous regions this is seldom achieved, resulting in what we refer to as low-strength mortars.

Scientific data on locally produced low-strength mortars is largely absent from the literature. This project aims to close that gap by enabling field testing of key mechanical properties such as absorption, tensile strength, and compression strength. It also includes the development of procedures for preparing, mixing, and curing mortar samples on-site.

Because rural areas often lack access to electricity, gas, or petrol, the device must be manually operated, with all processes carried out by hand. Transportability and simple maintenance are crucial, and the design should avoid complex moving parts that are difficult to replace. At the same time, measurements must remain accurate and reliable, with a method for calibrating the device against professional lab equipment.

Further action

This project is part of a broader effort to improve local construction quality, which also includes the development of a manually operated concrete mixer and a manually operated stone crusher.

Interested? For more information or to set up a meeting, possibly as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email. We’d be happy to discuss how you can contribute to this important area of research.