The strength of unstabilised rammed earth materials

Jaquin, P.A.; Augarde, C.E.; Gallipoli, D.; Toll, D.G.

doi:10.1680/geot.2007.00129

The strength of unstabilised rammed earth materials

Jaquin, P.A.; Augarde, C.E.; Gallipoli, D.; Toll, D.G.

Authors

P.A. Jaquin

Professor Charles Augarde charles.augarde@durham.ac.uk
Head Of Department

D. Gallipoli

Professor David Toll d.g.toll@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

Rammed earth is a manufactured material comprising sand, gravel and clay, which is compacted between forms to build walls. Primarily a historic method of construction, it is now receiving considerable interest worldwide owing to its zero reliance on materials such as cement, and its potential for recycling. Despite its longevity, the source of its shear strength is poorly understood. This paper presents initial laboratory test results that point to the main source of strength in rammed earth being suction, and indicating that recent advances in unsaturated soil mechanics may also be applied to this material.

Citation

Jaquin, P., Augarde, C., Gallipoli, D., & Toll, D. (2009). The strength of unstabilised rammed earth materials. Géotechnique, 59(5), 487-490. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2007.00129

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jun 1, 2009
Deposit Date	May 29, 2009
Publicly Available Date	Jun 19, 2009
Journal	Géotechnique
Print ISSN	0016-8505
Electronic ISSN	1751-7656
Publisher	ICE Publishing
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	59
Issue	5
Pages	487-490
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2007.00129
Keywords	Rammed earth, Unsaturated soils.