Earthen Construction in INDIA with Rammed Earth Walls
Rammed earth is a method of building walls on site by compacting a selected mixture of earth, sand and aggregate in layers between the forms. Each layer is approximately 15cm deep. As each form is filled another form is placed above it, and the process begins again. This is continued until the desired wall height is reached.
A wider range of soils are suitable when a small amount of cement or construction Lime is added to the mix. The result, known as ‘stabilized rammed earth wall’, is an extremely durable and attractive masonry product with numerous benefits. Rammed Earth ranks as the lowest in carbon footprint, as it is basically an ancient technique that only uses natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime, and/or gravel.
From an environmental standpoint, reducing or eliminating Portland cement is advantageous because it lowers the energy embodied in the final product. Using soils directly from the site represents an environmental advantage for the same reason. From country cottages and suburban homes to art galleries and school, stabilized rammed earth creates beautiful and unique buildings, whilst at the same time providing a swathe of benefits to meet the varied demands of home owners, artists, industry, architects and engineers.
Advantages of Rammed Earth Walls
It's not entirely the walls' doing. Earthen home design should factor in the natural elements that will affect the warming and cooling properties of the home.
- Sustainability: Rammed earth construction is environmentally friendly, utilizing locally sourced materials and requiring minimal energy inputs during manufacturing and construction.
- Durability: Properly constructed rammed earth walls are incredibly durable and resistant to fire, pests, and decay. With regular maintenance, they can last for centuries.
- Thermal Mass: Rammed earth walls have excellent thermal mass properties, absorbing and storing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night, contributing to energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.
How Rammed Earth Homes Work?
Rammed earth homes are like building sand castles without that tricky step of flipping the bucket. A cross-grade, or mix, of soils is rammed into the walls, either by hand or machine. When everything is packed tightly, the forms are removed, and what's left is a solid, stable wall. Builder's ramm's and repeat until the entire house is built. 300mm rammed earth walls as constructed by Rammed Earth Constructions are load bearing. Rammed earth also provides substantial bracing to buildings — usually well in excess of the minimum requirement achieved by most homes. It provides a feeling of stability and security in even the worst weather conditions.
Thermal Mass: Rammed earth walls have excellent thermal mass properties, absorbing and storing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night, contributing to energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.
