Research Agenda #1
Intention:
To study the best way to create wall assemblies without the use of mortar by studying reinforcement, interlocking bricks, hydraform, and hebel construction methods.
Objective:
To analyze the possible qualities of non-mortar construction by building the various wall assemblages.
Methodology:
1. Collect Soil
2. Research different molds / shapes of brickwork
3. Create molds
4. Form bricks
5. Allow curing to occur
6. "Assemble" the wall with and without mortar
Equipment / Supplies Required:
1. Soil
2. Brick molds
3. Mortar
4. Steel Reinforcement Bars
5. Cement
6. Device to compress the soil and form the bricks in the molds
Expected Results:
We believe that some of the brick forms and methods of connection will produce bricks that have a stronger interlocking relationship and therefore create a superior wall assembly.
Potential Problems:
1. Finding enough of the "right" kind of soil to create sturdy enough bricks.
2. Making consistent bricks with the molds.
3. Creating a large amount of bricks in order to build a "wall"
4. How easily the dirt will conform to the molds.
5. Fitting the mold into the compression device.
6. Placing an equal amount of dirt in the forms to produce identical bricks.
7. Creating the mold itself.
Deliverable Products:
By researching the wall assembly strengths through the various forms of connections we will be able to produce a basic set of guidelines for non-mortar assemblages.

Research Agenda #2
Intention:
To study the constructibility and strength of various brick forms through shapes, types of soil, compressive forces, and soil/cement mixtures.
Objective:
To analyze the strength, durability, and buildability of numerous brick samples.
Methodology:
1. Collect Soil
2. Form bricks
3. Allow curing to occur
4. "Assemble" the wall with and without mortar
5. Test its strength / endurance through diverse means
* Refer to ASTM or Structures Group for most effective test.
Equipment / Supplies Required:
1. Soil
2. Brick molds
3. Mortar
4. Steel Reinforcement Bars
5. Cement
Expect Results:
We believe that some of the brick forms and methods of connection will produce bricks that are stronger and more durable than others, resulting in a superior wall assembly.
Potential Problems:
1. Finding enough of the "right" kind of soil to create sturdy enough bricks.
2. Making consistent bricks with the molds.
3. Creating a large amount of bricks in order to build a "wall"
4. Testing the brick forms – this may require various types of test due to the lack of a level surface on some bricks.

Deliverable Products:
By researching the wall assembly strengths through the shape, soil type, compressive force, and cement mixture variables, we will be able to discern which of each variable has the highest performance rate. This will result in the compilation of the strongest elements, forming a brick that is withstanding and efficient.

Research Agenda #3
Intention:
To study the production of brick forms through molds, assemblies, compression devices, soil amounts, and labor skills.
Objective:
To explore the efficiency of cost, labor, and brick forms.
Methodology:
1. Collect Soil
2. Form bricks
3. Allow curing to occur
4. Have a student build it
5. "Assemble" the wall
6. Cost Comparison – no mortar, unskilled labor
Equipment / Supplies Required:
1. Soil
2. Brick molds
3. Cement
4. Compression Device
5. "Test Dummies"
Expect Results:
We believe that assemblage without mortar and using unskilled labor, the total cost will be lesser than by using mortar and a professional bricklayer.
Potential Problems:
1. Finding enough of the "right" kind of soil to create sturdy enough bricks.
2. Making consistent bricks with the molds.
3. Creating a large amount of bricks in order to build a "wall"
4. Determine which brick form can be assembled with the greatest ease
Deliverable Products:
By researching the ease of construction through the use of unskilled versus skilled labor varying the types of bricks we will be able to determine the most efficient and cost effective brick laying method, which can be presented in chart form.