Rammed Earth Structures: A Code of Practice - Softcover

Keable, Julian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853393509 ISBN 13: 9781853393501

Publisher: ITDG Publishing, 1996

Synopsis

Ramming earth has been a method of construction for centuries in many parts of the world and the technique can produce buildings that are strong, durable, safe and desirable. Because earth is an abundant and cheap resource, rammed earth buildings are often very economical.

The right techniques for the selection and testing of soils must be used to protect walls from water damage and shrinkage. This book shows how high standards can be achieved and the criteria on which rammed earth structures and building techniques can be judged.

Since the first edition of this book was published, Rammed Earth Structures has been adopted as a Building Standard in Zimbabwe. Further progress is being made extending the use of rammed earth as an officially sanctioned building material across all SADC countries. This book is now therefore becoming an important guide and resource for those wishing to employ this economical and low-carbon building material in the construction of public as well as private buildings in Africa and elsewhere.

About this title

Synopsis

Ramming earth has been a method of construction for centuries in various parts of the world. Earth is extracted from the ground and compacted in layers inside specially constructed formwork. After compaction, the formwork is released and moved along to a new position in the wall. In this way, the building goes up rapidly, layer by layer, row by row. Little of no non-renewable energy is needed. This technique can produce buildings that are strong, durable, safe and desirable, and because earth is an abundant and cheap resource, rammed earth buildings are often very economical. To achieve the best results the right techniques for selection and testing of solids must be used to protect walls from water damage and shrinkage. This document aims to show how high standards can be achieved and the criteria on which rammed earth structures and building techniques can be judged.

The document can be used by loan and aid agencies to give assurance on durability/mortgage ability, by official building regulators to judge and show suitability of any earth structures under their control, by larger contractors and designers for outline specification and by local builders for basic standards to achieve long lasting results.

Edition details

• Publisher: ITDG Publishing
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853393509
• ISBN 13: 9781853393501
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 120