Cheap Sustainable Buildings |
Earthbag WallsEarthbag Info Slideshows: 1, 2, 3, 4
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Different Earthen Wallschoose different materials, based on 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 |
Local officials should know what building codes apply. Codes for adobe and other techniques exist in some states and are under development for the IRC in general. Code for New Zealand includes structural information. |
Types of Soil for Earthen WallsCheck soil type by touchComparing soil needed for adobe, cob, rammed earth, CEB, earthbag |
Prove Your Soil Fill StrengthQuick strength estimates with 30 mm balls.Testing explained: quick tests with a simple lever or slow drying and dropping large units.
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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 Information
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Basic Details
for low seismic risk areas 0.25- 0.6 g |
Moderate Strength Detailsinterconnected corners on spot footings (0.6- 1 g) |
High Strength Detailscontinuous strip footings with fully connected steel (>1 g)
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Designing Safe Earthen Buildings |
Basics of Stable Building PlansDesign compact, symmetrical, with small openings- see plan information in the Resilient CE Earthbag Construction How-To documents.
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Enough Bracing Walls?New Zealand's non-engineered code checks for some materials (pp. 44- 54, 110- 122). |
High Strength PlansEmail for information about engineers familiar with earthbag, or to request plan advice from BSI.
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