Exploring Sustainable Structures: Rammed Earth Edition

Dive into the world of groundbreaking research! One of our institute's master's thesis delves deep into the potential of rammed earth as a structural load-bearing building material. Material parameters like bulk density, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity underwent rigorous investigation in various test series, exploring different specimen geometries.

What is rammed earth, you ask? It's an earthen construction method where earth-moist clay, with grain sizes of 0-40 mm, is densely compacted in layers within a formwork. As it cures, the material dries, achieving impressive compressive strengths of up to 5 MPa!

Beyond ecological benefits like lower energy demand and reduced CO2 emissions, the true beauty lies in its recyclability. Rammed earth can be remixed and processed endlessly, adding a sustainable touch to construction practices.

Our test specimens, crafted in collaboration with LehmTonErde GmbH in Schlins, Vorarlberg, have paved the way for a multi-storey self-supporting exterior façade in Switzerland!