Adobe construction involves exterior walls made of what type of masonry?

Adobe construction primarily utilizes exterior walls made from a type of masonry that can indeed be both load-bearing and nonload-bearing. Traditional adobe bricks are made from a mixture of clay, mud, and straw, which are then dried in the sun. The density and structure of these bricks allow them to effectively bear loads when used in wall construction.

In a structure, the use of load-bearing walls is essential because they provide essential support for the roof and upper floors, transferring loads down to the foundation. In some designs, adobe walls can function in this capacity. Conversely, nonload-bearing walls serve primarily as partitions and do not support any structural loads, which can also be achieved with adobe construction, especially in scenarios where interior walls separate spaces without contributing to the building's structural integrity.

Consequently, the versatility of adobe construction facilitates the possibility of having walls that fulfill both functions, which is why the answer includes both load-bearing and nonload-bearing types.