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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 419-421 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Construction and Building Materials |
Volume | 44 |
Early online date | 12 Apr 2013 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
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