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Why cob and why not concrete?

 
Ron Kulas
Posts: 207
Location: North East Wisconsin
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Before I build my RMH, Im wondering why the use of COB rather than concrete/mortar/ect since its easier to obtain/make concrete.
 
Cristobal Cristo
Posts: 875
Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, 350 m, USDA 8b, sunset zone 7
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Around 400 C (below dark red heat) the cement in concrete starts decomposing. Also cob is better suited to withstand expansion and shrinking. That's why fire bricks are made of aluminosilicates (or other substances) and not cement + aggregate or lime + aggregate.
 
Fox James
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Location: Guernsey a small island near France.
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Concrete is ok for in the lower heat parts and makes a very good mass but it must be vibrated concrete without air bubbles  if you want to get the best out of it.
 
Glenn Herbert
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Location: Upstate NY, zone 5
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Even when used in lower heat areas where decomposition is not an issue, concrete is forever and you will not easily be able to modify it in the future if you find that some part would be better if different.
 
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