Ultimate Guide to Rammed Earth Construction!

Want to know in detail about rammed earth construction?

Maybe you have probably heard the term but have not any knowledge about it?

Well, rammed earth construction is the procedure of compacting a mixture of aggregates like gravel, sand, silt, and clay into one place between temporary formwork panels. When the mixture turns into solid or dry, the formwork is removed to reveal solid constructed walls.

Indeed, this conventional technology was used in ancient times for constructing obsolete monuments and vernacular architecture. Previously, the architectures used wooden poles into the earth mixture to compress it. 




But nowadays, a mechanical ramming is used in place of a wooden pole. This modern technology is an alternative to traditional rammed earth that adds a small amount of cement (around 5 - 10%) to increase strength and endurance. Such stabilised rammed earth come up with extra protection and are also surfaced with an air-permeable sealer to enhance the life of the material.

Generally, building with rammed earth provides limited insulation but excellent thermal mass, which further cools the interior space during hot, dry summers. It can perfectly absorb heat during cold winters.

In this guide, we provide detailed information about rammed earth construction. So. let’s have a look at the following.



Table of Content

What is Rammed Earth Construction?
  • Raw Material OR Soil Mixture
Rammed Earth Construction Guide
  • Structure
  • Insulation
  • Durability
Conclusion!



What is Rammed Earth Construction?

As discussed above, the rammed earth construction has started a thousand years back. Many European castles were constructed using this technology.




As the name defines, rammed earth construction entails the usage of compressed earth. A mixture of earth containing the appropriate amount of sand, gravel, and clay is used into a formwork. This mixture is rammed until it becomes solid and dry. Once it is properly constructed, it can withstand the different invasions of nature for a very long time. 

  • Raw Material OR Soil Mixture


The excellent soil mixture for rammed earth is made up of clay, gravel, sand, and silt up to a size of 3cm. Sand and gravel added in the mixture are availed to provide the structural strength whereas clay is the adhesive which endures the mixture together. In addition, the cement is also added in the mixture. Generally, cement replaced the function of the clay due to its adhesive nature. Almost every type of soil is suitable for rammed earth. Architects can use local soil for preparing a mixture.

Well, there is no existing formulae for preparing a mixture since soil differs from one location to another. Every type of soil is analyzed by the architecture, and then sand and gravel added according to its clay content. 




In addition to this earth building technique, there are other various methods, including adobe (earth bricks), wattle and daub (wood or bamboo grids plastered with earth), and cob (a mixture of earth, straw or any natural fibre, and sand). Each and every location requires its own technique.

There is no doubt to say that rammed earth has the highest wearable capacity as compared to other earth-building techniques. It also provides the greatest compression strength. This means that it is the most suitable technique for load-bearing purposes.

Rammed Earth Construction Guide


In the installation of such rammed earth walls, formworks are required to define the shape of the wall. Some use wooden poles that provide smooth and straight walls while other constructors prefer to stabilize the mixture with cement.




  • Structure


Rammed earth is counted to be strong in compression and appropriate for load-bearing construction. The formwork is filled with slightly moist soil up to a layer height of between 8 cm to 15 cm. The walls are designed carefully due to the possibility of cracking and difficulty ramming encompassing the support bars.

  • Insulation


As discussed above, rammed earth has excellent thermal mass property. It slows down the heat production during summer through the walls and releases the heat when surrounding temperature drops. Thermal mass can create a comfortable internal environment.


Well, insulating a rammed earth structure can need a deliberate thought process. If you insulate the structure from the inside, you may lose all thermal mass benefits. That's why it is very important to protect the structure on the outside of the building to cover the rammed earth and enable the building to achieve thermal mass benefit. It is also true that the positioning of insulation also depends on the location and climate.

  • Durability

Rammed earth construction is the best in warmer drier climates. Make sure walls should be protected from the weather as best as possible. All water should be drained away from the walls and moisture should be enabled to dry easily. Some additives are also added in the mixture that enables the walls to withstand even in more exposed environments. 

Conclusion!


By following the above-mentioned guide, it becomes easy to understand the construction process of rammed earth for buildings and improvements.

If you are planning to give your structure strength and endurance, the rammed earth technique is the right choice for you. It has the potential to provide a long-term benefit. While constructing walls through this technique, you can hire a rammed earth architecture for handling everything under control.

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