@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/7965, title = {Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Building Material: A Case Study in Ethiopia}, author = {W. Z. Taffese}, country = {}, institution = {}, abstract = {This work presents a low-cost and eco-friendly building material named Agrostone panel. Africa-s urban population is growing at an annual rate of 2.8% and 62% of its population will live in urban areas by 2050. As a consequence, many of the least urbanized and least developed African countries- will face serious challenges in providing affordable housing to the urban dwellers. Since the cost of building materials accounts for the largest proportion of the overall construction cost, innovating low-cost building material is vital. Agrostone panel is used in housing projects in Ethiopia. It uses raw materials of agricultural/industrial wastes and/or natural minerals as a filler, magnesium-based chemicals as a binder and fiberglass as reinforcement. Agrostone panel reduces the cost of wall construction by 50% compared with the conventional building materials. The pros and cons of Agrostone panel as well as the use of other waste materials as a raw material to make the panel more sustainable, low-cost and better properties are discussed.}, journal = {International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, pages = {183 - 187}, ee = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/7965}, url = {https://publications.waset.org/vol/62}, bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/}, issn = {eISSN: 1307-6892}, publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology}, index = {Open Science Index 62, 2012}, }