Key messages for commonly used shelter materials.

Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB), are one of the most extensively used walling materials in the Philippines. Some of the reasons for this is their relative low cost when compared to other materials and speed of installation by semi-skilled labourers. CHB walls are very weak against lateral loads (pushing or pulling forces from typhoon or earthquake). Adding steel reinforcing bars vertically and horizontally inside the CHBs can increase their resistance to lateral loads.