PRESERVATION OF RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURES THROUGH TRADITIONAL METHODS: CASE STUDY

Abstract

This paper describes the research carried out around a high heritage value construction, the Torre Muza de Benifaió in Valencia (Spain). The tower is a defensive building from the Spanish Arab period, built during the 11th and 12th centuries AD. When the studies began, it was abandoned, in a dilapidated state, and slight information was known. Therefore, following extensive and multidisciplinary work was the starting point to recognizing the critical aspects of its history, damage, and current condition. Particularly noteworthy is the specific characterization of the traditional rammed earth construction system and the materials that made it up. All this was performed based on historical research, laser 3D scanning, and complementary characterization studies (physical, chemical, and mechanical) with the vision of the whole and surroundings. With all this, it was possible to determine the recovery of the walls following the same construction technique, although differentiating their specific execution. These preliminary studies allow a respectful consolidation and recovery of the construction and ensure the compatibility and integration of the materials and the intervention. This paper remarks on the importance of multidisciplinary preliminary studies to develop proper preservation of vernacular techniques and heritage architecture.