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Earthen Dwellings and Structures: A Comprehensive Guide to Building with Earth

Sammy Powell

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Published in Earthen Dwellings And Structures: Current Status In Their Adoption (Springer Transactions In Civil And Environmental Engineering)

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Earthen Dwellings and Structures: Current Status in their Adoption (Springer Transactions in Civil and Environmental Engineering)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	107465 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	631 pages

Earthen Dwellings and Structures is a comprehensive guide to building with earth. It covers everything from the basics of soil science to the construction of complex structures.

The book is divided into three parts. Part one provides an overview of the history of earthen architecture, the different types of earthen materials, and the basic principles of earthen construction. Part two covers the construction of simple earthen structures, such as walls, roofs, and floors. Part three covers the construction of more complex earthen structures, such as domes, vaults, and arches.

Earthen Dwellings and Structures is a valuable resource for anyone interested in building with earth. It is a comprehensive and well-written guide that covers all aspects of earthen construction.

The History of Earthen Architecture

Earthen architecture is one of the oldest forms of building construction. The earliest known earthen structures date back to the Neolithic period, and earthen buildings have been found on every continent except Antarctica.

Earthen architecture has been used for a wide variety of purposes, from simple dwellings to complex temples and palaces. Some of the most famous earthen structures in the world include the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and the Alhambra in Spain.

The Different Types of Earthen Materials

Earthen materials can be divided into two main types: soils and rocks. Soils are composed of particles of various sizes, including sand, silt, and clay. Rocks are solid materials that are composed of minerals.

The type of earthen material that is used for construction depends on a number of factors, including the availability of materials, the climate, and the desired properties of the structure.

The Basic Principles of Earthen Construction

The basic principles of earthen construction are relatively simple. Earthen materials are mixed with water to form a泥浆. The mud is then placed in a form and allowed to dry. The dried mud forms a strong and durable structure.

There are a number of different techniques that can be used to construct earthen structures. The most common techniques include:

Rammed earth
Cob
Adobe
Mudbrick

The Construction of Simple Earthen Structures

The construction of simple earthen structures is relatively straightforward. The first step is to prepare the site. The site should be level and free of debris. The next step is to mix the earthen materials with water to form a mud. The mud is then placed in a form and allowed to dry.

The type of form that is used depends on the desired shape of the structure. For example, a simple wooden frame can be used to create a rectangular wall. A more complex form, such as a dome, can be created using a balloon or a fabric mold.

The Construction of Complex Earthen Structures

The construction of complex earthen structures requires more skill and experience than the construction of simple earthen structures. Complex earthen structures, such as domes, vaults, and arches, are often constructed using a technique called slipforming.

Slipforming involves pouring a mud mixture into a continuous form that is slowly raised as the mud dries. This technique allows for the construction of complex shapes with smooth, curved surfaces.

Earthen Dwellings and Structures: A Sustainable Building Option

Earthen dwellings and structures are a sustainable building option. Earthen materials are renewable and non-toxic. Earthen buildings have a low environmental impact and can help to reduce energy consumption.

Earthen buildings are also durable and can last for centuries. Earthen buildings are resistant to fire, pests, and decay. They can also withstand extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

Earthen Dwellings and Structures is a comprehensive guide to building with earth. It covers everything from the basics of soil science to the construction of complex structures. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in building with earth, and it is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about sustainable building practices.

Earthen Dwellings and Structures: Current Status in their Adoption (Springer Transactions in Civil and Environmental Engineering)

5 out of 5