Behaviour Of Ancient And New StructuresMade Out Of Raw Earth

Abstract

Earth is both one of the most ancient and modern building materials. Though the knowledge about it is only empirical - and thus difficult to transmit - earthen houses have been built for thousands of years. However, nowadays, there is no way of calculating or checking a cupola among the billions built in the world. This paper will first present the different types of architectures and technologies which have been developed with this material, depending on the local soils, and the social and economical environment. We will also present some of the technical solutions adopted to realise these structures. Then, we will present the modernisation of these technics, still using earth, which might be used to repair or modify some of these old buildings, in order to disturb as little as possible the basic structures. We will also present the problem of the plasters, which are necessary to protect them, but also have to be appropriate so to keep them able to behave normally. Finally, we will present some of the experimental and modelling results of our researches, related to the rheology of compressed earth and earth mortar, and the mechanical behavior of earthen structures such as wall panels, arches and cupolas.