Construction Industry/strongest building

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Expert: - 10/3/2011


Question
Dear Roger. Hi, I'm in Gr.8 and I'm going to have a science fair. So, I decided to do it on architecture. I heard that you can build one of the best disaster-resistant buildings with earth-bags. Is there any possible way to examine the earth-bag through experiments how strong it is and if it is really disaster-resistant?

Answer
Hi John,

I'm reminded of my days in high school and I entered a science fair and received a blue ribbon for my architectural drawings.  Keep up the good work.

Unfortunately, I have not had experience with earth bag construction.  I looked it up on the Internet and found an interesting site that had a thorough explanation of the system.  Following is the site for you to review.

http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/earthbags.html


Let me know how you do at the science fair.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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