Earth building: a study of durability

Abstract

Earth building has always provided a number of benefits for owners such as its thermal and acoustic properties, as well as its environmental sustainability. However, the durability of earth has been seen as a weakness. This report looks at why this is so and finds that it need not be the case as long as some key issues are recognised and dealt with right from the initial design stage. The most important factors found were that construction quality and a good earth mix are necessary requirements to begin with so that the wall is in sound condition when built. Secondly building details and surface protection will ensure that the wall, as built, will be protected throughout it's life.