Quick Answer
Rammed earth structures in desert climates require soils with high clay content to withstand erosion and extreme temperature fluctuations. Suitable soil types include clay loams, silty clays, and well-graded clays with minimal silt and sand content. These soils provide good compressive strength and thermal mass.
Suitable Soil Types
In arid and desert climates, the ideal soil types for rammed earth construction should be composed of 60-80% clay, 10-20% silt, and 0-10% sand. A higher proportion of clay particles enhances the soil’s cohesion, water resistance, and structural integrity under extreme temperature conditions. Well-graded clays, which have a consistent particle size distribution, tend to perform better in rammed earth applications than poorly graded or uniform clays.
Formwork and Compaction Techniques
To ensure optimal soil density and structural integrity, it’s essential to use a well-designed formwork system and compact the soil thoroughly. A minimum of 3-4% moisture content is recommended to facilitate easy compaction, while a maximum moisture content of 8-10% helps prevent excessive shrinkage and cracking. Compaction should be performed in 2-3 inch layers, with each layer achieving a minimum density of 95-100 pounds per cubic foot (pcf).
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