Building with Earth: A Handbook

About this book

Provides practical help in choosing whether and how to build with earth, from soil selection through to construction and maintenance.

Contents

Part 1 Introduction: how this handbook might help you; terminology. Part 2 General considerations: what earth is; strength and weakness; climatic performance and comfort; earthquake resistance; choosing whether and how to build with earth. Part 3 Choosing a suitable soil: soil composition; particle characteristics; laterites; expansive soils; soil analysis; initial sensory observations; field tests; field laboratory tests. Part 4 How to determine and improve quality: standards; visual assessment; compressive strength; bending strength or 'modulus of rupture'; resistance to water erosion; moisture absorption; soil improvement. Part 5 Wall construction: combination walls; load-bearing walls. Part 6 Roofs: self-supporting earth vaults built on shuttering; vaults and domes without formwork; flat and pitched roofs; short span earth components between supporting beams; reinforced earth roofs. Part 7 Foundations and floors. Part 8 Protection: preliminary considerations renders; caring for your building. Part 9 Openings, joinery, finishes and furniture, electricity and plumbing.

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