 | Appropriate Building Materials: a Catalogue of Potential Solutions (SKAT, 1988, 430 p.) |
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Rammed earth foundations
KEYWORDS:
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Special properties |
Only used for earth constructions on dry sites |
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Economical aspects |
Low cost |
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Stability |
Poor to medium |
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Skills required |
Semi-skilled labour |
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Equipment required |
Excavation and tamping equipment |
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Resistance to earthquake |
Low |
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Resistance to hurricane |
Low |
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Resistance to rain |
Low |
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Resistance to insects |
Low |
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Climatic suitability |
Only very dry climates |
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Stage of experience |
Traditional method |
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
· Rammed earth foundations are made of well graded soil, preferably wig a stabiliser for water resistance and higher strength.
· The site must be well drained and great care is needed to protect the foundation from ground moisture, especially with a plastic foil or bitumen felt. Bitumen paint, or a facing of rubble stone or burnt bricks are alternatives.
· When in doubt about suitability of rammed earth foundations, they should not be used. Stabilized soil blocks can be used instead, but similar protective measures are necessary.
· Wherever possible, the earth foundation should be placed on a concrete footing.
· The foundation is made in formwork, in the same way as the walls: layers of 10 cm soil are tamped down to 6 - 7 cm, before the next layer is filled up.
Further information: Bibl. 02.06, 02.08, 02.19, 02.32, 20.05.
Procedure of Constructing a Rammed
Earth Foundation (Bibl.
20.05)
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