Abstract
Rammed earth (RE) constructions are widespread in underdeveloped rural areas in developing countries. However, these RE constructions are often susceptible to earthquake damage due to their poor seismic performance. Precast concrete tie columns and ring beam (tie bars) were proposed to improve the seismic behavior of RE constructions. Four RE walls, including a traditional RE wall and three RE walls with precast concrete tie columns and ring beam (tie bars), were tested under reversed cyclic loading, and the seismic behavior of these tested specimens was evaluated in terms of failure pattern, energy dissipation, displacement ductility, and stiffness degradation. The results showed that a significant increase of the load-bearing and deformation capacity could be achieved with the application of precast concrete tie columns in combination with RE. The load-bearing capacity and deformation capacity of traditional RE wall were increased by an average of 113% and 417%, respectively. These test results could provide reference to the design and construction of the environmental-friendly structures in rural areas.
Highlights
Rammed earth (RE) dwellings are widespread in underdeveloped rural areas of western China, which has several advantages over other buildings, including low cost, easy availability, thermal comfort, and low intervention with surroundings
Niroumand et al [6] investigated the influence of nanotechnology on material characteristics of rammed earth, and the results showed that nanoclay could increase the level of compressive strength in rammed earth walls and be used as a cohesive material in the soil mixture
It could be seen that Specimen Q-1, as a control specimen, exhibited poor hysteretic properties with a remarkable strength drop after peak load, with this unfavorable performance attributed to lack of precast concrete tie columns in the wall
Summary
Rammed earth (RE) dwellings are widespread in underdeveloped rural areas of western China, which has several advantages over other buildings, including low cost, easy availability, thermal comfort, and low intervention with surroundings. RE constructions have drawbacks of sensitivity to water, propensity to shear failure, and lacking systemic engineering design concerning earthquake. Ey are susceptible to earthquake damage owing to low compressive strength, shear strength, and durability [1,2,3,4,5]. Niroumand et al [6] investigated the influence of nanotechnology on material characteristics of rammed earth, and the results showed that nanoclay could increase the level of compressive strength in rammed earth walls and be used as a cohesive material in the soil mixture. Venkatarama Reddy and Prasanna Kumar [7] studied the relationship among soil density, moisture content, and compressive strength and found that the compressive strength of rammed earth was very sensitive to its dry density and moisture content. Cheah et al [8] conducted an experimental study of the shear strength of a stabilized RE material reinforced with sisal and flax fibres
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
