New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 14 - HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 7 - BUILDING CODES GENERAL
Part 4 - 2021 NEW MEXICO EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS CODE
Section 14.7.4.9 - ADOBE CONSTRUCTION
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. General. Adobe shall not be used in any building more than two stories in height. The maximum height of every wall of adobe block without lateral support is specified in 14.7.4.8 NMAC, Table 1. The height of the wall is defined as the distance from the top of the slab or top of stem wall to the underside of the bond beam. The maximum height of exterior walls, which are laterally supported with those supports located no more than 24 feet apart, are as defined in 14.7.4.8 NMAC, Table 1. The bottom story of a two-story is allowed a minimum thickness of 14 inches with the upper story allowed a thickness of 10 inches providing the structure meets the provisions of 14.7.4.8 NMAC, Table 1.
B. Fireplaces. Adobe or masonry fireplaces and chimneys in adobe structures shall comply with 14.7.3.18 NMAC. They shall be integrated into adjacent adobe walls during construction or secured to them by suitable steel ladder reinforcement or reinforcing rods.
C. Count Rumford fireplaces. Count Rumford fireplaces are allowed as provided in 14.7.3.18 NMAC.
D. Soil. Soil for use in adobe blocks should have a mixture of coarse sand, sand, silt and clay, naturally occurring, or amended with sand or straw, that will make a sun-dried block without serious warping or cracking. The best way to determine the fitness of a soil is to make sample blocks and allow them to dry in the open, protected from moisture. Then test as specified by Subsections C and D of 14.7.4.11 NMAC. The soil shall not contain more than two percent soluble salts.
E. Passive solar structures. Passive solar structures incorporating the use of solar mass walls (trombes), direct gain arrays or sunspaces (greenhouses) as defined by the passive solar heating worksheet, dated September, 2021 and prepared by the state of New Mexico energy, minerals and natural resources department, are allowed.
