Abstract
Earthen materials in general and rammed-earth in particular are ancient materials used for construction since time immemorial. Some earthen structures built centuries ago are still performing satisfactorily. However, in a lot of cases, the problem of durability still raises questions, since earthen material is very sensitive to water and since the maintenance is not always well done. This paper presents a study on the influence of water on the mechanical characteristics (compressive strength, Young modulus and Poisson ratio) of rammed-earth material. Experiments on suction were also carried out to study the relationship between suction and mechanical characteristics of rammed-earth. The results show that for low water contents: which are from the dry state (in the atmospheric conditions) to 4wt.%, the mechanical properties are constant. Explanations of this result are presented in relation to the capillary force between particles at the microscopic level of the material.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Structural Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture XII |
| Publisher | WIT Press |
| Pages | 565-576 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Volume | 118 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781845645267 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 12th International Conference on Structural Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture - Chianciano Terme, Italy Duration: 5 Sept 2011 → 7 Sept 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | 12th International Conference on Structural Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | STREMAH 2011 |
| Country/Territory | Italy |
| City | Chianciano Terme |
| Period | 5/09/11 → 7/09/11 |
Keywords
- Compressive strength
- Influence of water
- Poisson ratio
- Rammed-earth
- Suction
- Young modulus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Architecture
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
- Computer Science Applications