PEP BB naturalbuilding.straw.clay - assess and trial best clay mixes

This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Natural Building.

Clay is a primary ingredient in cob and adobe bricks.  Testing the clay sub-soils you have available goes a long way towards making durable final products.




To get certified for this BB, do the following:  
Find and assess clay sub-soil for making cob/adobe bricks, try different mixes, keep notes, test them to destruction (smash with hammer, toss in fire, etc), choose best mixes.
  - Try at least 2 different kinds of clay subsoil
  - Try at least 2 different kinds of sand
  - Document at least 12 different individual experiments (adobe bricks). Show your notes.
  - Document your process, how much sand of what type, how much soil of what type?
  - Show shake test results, show mix results. Explain your thinking for the selection process.
  - Make 50 adobe bricks from your best candidate mix.
  - Make 6 minute video detailing your process and showing your final product.