Cheap Sustainable Buildings |
![]() Earthbag WallsEarthbag Info Slideshows: 1, 2, 3, 4
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Different Earthen Wallsneed different materials, climate, equipment and skills- coming soon |
Structural Block WallsAdobe, CEB (compressed earth block), ICEB (interlocking CEB):Brittle unless interlocking and often built on reinforced concrete (RC) footings. |
Structural Stone WallsThrough-stones or reinforcement important. Usually built on RC footings.
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![]() Structural Monolithic WallsRammed earth, Cob, Puddled adobe:Brittle except cob, usually reinforced and built on RC footings. |
Basics to Build with Earth |
![]() Ask local officials what building code applies. Earth building codes for adobe and other techniques exist in some states and are under development for the IBC in general. Code for New Zealand includes structural information. |
![]() Types of Soil for Earthen WallsCheck soil type by touchComparing soil for adobe, cob, rammed earth, CEB, earthbag |
How Strong is My Soil?Quick strength estimates for building soil using simple tools |
![]() Check Your Seismic RiskBSI estimate mapsLearn more about risk metrics or go directly to web info for the US, Europe, Australia |
Resilient CE Earthbag Construction How-To
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![]() Basic Details
Low-cement CE for low seismic risk areas (<0.6 g at 10% pe) |
Moderate Strength DetailsStandard CE with interconnected corners on spot footings (>0.6 g) |
![]() High Strength DetailsContinuous footings and fully connected steel- coming soon
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Designing Safe Earthen Buildings |
Basics of Stable Building PlansCompact, symmetrical, small openings- coming soon
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Enough Bracing Walls?New Zealand's non-engineered code checks plans for moderate or high risk for some materials (pp. 44- 54, 110- 122). |
![]() High Strength PlansGet engineering help or email for information
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