What are the Specific clay content requirements for rammed earth construction

Do you have to make a rammed earth construction using a slurry? What percentage of clay is needed in the earth?  Can you add cement powder if the earth doesn't have the clay content you desire?

 

 


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There is no exact formula, it depends on many factors like the weather and the type of earth is native to where you are doing the construction, also, the type of clay that's native to the area.

I guess the best this to do would be to experiment with small amount of clay \ earth until you find the right ratio. 

Here are some natural construction resources: 

http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/earth.htm 

Posted 2007-11-30T22:32:32Z
lilly was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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Interesting questions. I'm not familiar with this subject, but I found on

this site some information that I think you'll find useful. Basically it all depends on the type of earth you have where you want to build, and it looks like the required tests are not something the average Joe can do.
Posted 2007-11-29T14:39:25Z
ralph was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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wow! Between Ralph and Lily, this is sewn up-- the ratio is 70-30 sand to clay with sand defined by particle size and cement, ash, lime or bitumen can be added to get the ratio required.  Ralph's link led to a how to page which is great, but it did say that plastering over rammed walls was okay while Lily's site, which leads to the world renowned David Easton's own site, Rammed Earth Works, says that behind plaster, rammed earth will quickly erode because moisture trapped there will condense and separate the plaster and wall, and therefore is not reccomended.  I guess the water-proofing issue will be the next exploration. Thanks!!

Posted 2007-12-01T06:56:41Z

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