Some observations about the paper "earth construction: Lessons from the past for future eco-efficient construction" by F. Pacheco-Torgal and S. Jalali

J. C. Morel, J. E. Aubert, Y. Millogo, E. Hamard, A. Fabbri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

J.C. Morel, J.E. Aubert, Y. Millogo, E. Hamard, and A. Fabbri critically analyze the paper by F. Pacheco-Torgal and S. Jalali on 'Earth construction: Lessons from the past for future eco-efficient construction'. According to them, throughout the article, the authors seem to postulate that the stabilization technique is a compulsory step for earth construction. This leads to quite surprising conclusions about the cost and environmental impacts and their assumed direct link with the nature and amount of the binder used. While the question of stabilization is entirely appropriate for some applications, its routine use in industrialized countries can be questioned. Some local soils are known to exhibit sufficient mechanical characteristics without amendment. The authors are not at all against the stabilization, particularly if it is done with the real three dimensions of sustainable building.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)419-421
Number of pages3
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume44
Early online date12 Apr 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adobe
  • Earth as a building material
  • Earthen buildings
  • Green building
  • Rammed earth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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