The Use of Volcanic Ash Compounds for Construction Projects in Iceland

This report describes a study of the feasibility of employing certain volcanic ashes, found in Iceland, in combination with lime and gypsum to produce strong, durable building materials. The researchers learned, during a visit to Iceland, that mortars made of volcanic ash and lime were used in the construction of many of the early stone buildings in Iceland. These mortars were found to be very strong or rock like and durable having survived for periods of 90 to 400 years.