Benefits and Challenges of Modern Rammed Earth Construction

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Dec 6, 2023

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1 MODERN RAMMED EARTH: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Sustainable Building: The Benefits and Challenges of Modern Rammed Earth Construction in the Americas Basirat O. Agbaje College of Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute COM 306: Report Writing and Technical Communication Dr. Tish Twomey-Smith February 12 th , 2023

2 MODERN RAMMED EARTH: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Sustainable Building: The Benefits and Challenges of Modern Rammed Earth Construction in the Americas Rammed earth is a sustainable, eco-friendly building technique using compacted soil, clay, and other minerals. Rammed earth is a timeless building technique that has been used for centuries, and it is making a resurgence in popularity as a sustainable solution in modern North and South America. This essay will explore the pros and cons of rammed earth construction. One of the main advantages of rammed earth is its sustainability. According to Milani and Labaki (2012), rammed earth is made from locally sourced materials, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are environmentally conscious. Additionally, the walls provide good insulation, conserve energy, and lead to long-term cost savings. (Windstorm & Schmidt, 2013,p.401).Another benefit of rammed earth construction is its durability. The walls are extremely strong ,providing protection for the building against fire, pests, and extreme weather conditions (Milani & Labaki, 2012, p.775). The walls also have a low maintenance cost, making them a cost-effective option for those who want a building that will last for years without the need for repairs. Rammed earth walls also offer a unique aesthetic appeal, with their warm, natural textures and colors (Rael, 2000). The use of soil and clay in construction creates a sense of timelessness and a connection to the earth, adding to the building's ambiance and making it feel like a true home. However, there are also some challenges associated with rammed earth construction. One of the main challenges is the need for skilled labor. Rammed earth construction requires specialized skills to ensure that the walls are compacted and reinforced correctly, which can be a challenge in

3 MODERN RAMMED EARTH: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES areas where skilled labor is scarce or expensive (Windstorm & Schmidt, 2013,p.402). This can increase the cost of construction, making it less accessible for many people. Rammed earth construction can also be time-consuming, leading to increased construction costs and longer project timelines (Windstorm & Schmidt, 2013,p.404). This can be a challenge for those who want to build homes efficiently. Another issue with rammed earth is its sensitivity to moisture. The walls are susceptible to damage from moisture, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rain (Milani & Labaki, 2012, p.779). This can be a concern for those living in areas with a lot of rain or high humidity, as it may reduce the lifespan of the walls. Lastly, the availability of suitable materials for rammed earth construction can be limited in some areas, leading to increased costs, and importing materials from further away (Windstorm & Schmidt, 2013,p.404). This can make rammed earth construction more expensive for those who want to use it as a building material. The Al-Hambra walls in Grenada, Spain serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and upkeep of rammed earth buildings (see Figure 1). (Holmstad, 2016,Fig.1)

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4 MODERN RAMMED EARTH: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES In conclusion, while rammed earth presents numerous advantages, including sustainability, durability, and aesthetics, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Despite these challenges, rammed earth remains a popular option for building construction and its use is expected to continue to grow as more people seek sustainable solutions.

5 MODERN RAMMED EARTH: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES References Milani, A. P. S., & Labaki, L. C. (2012). Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Performance of Cement-Stabilized Rammed Earth–Rice Husk Ash Walls. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 24(6), 775–779. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000439 Holmsad, Ø. H. (photographer). (2016, May 29). Norsk bokmål: rammed earth Alhambra walls [Photograph]. Grenada, Spain. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by- sa/4.0/ Rael, R. (2000). Earth Architecture. Princeton Architectural Press. Windstorm, B., & Schmidt, A. (2013). A Report of Contemporary Rammed Earth Construction and Research in North America. Sustainability, 5(2), 400–404. https://doi.org/10.3390/su5020400

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