Introduction

The renewed attention paid to raw earth construction in recent decades is linked to its undoubted sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In Europe, the spread of raw earth construction technologies has often been hindered by the lack of specific legislation regulating their use for load-bearing structures.

The invention called “Seismic-resistant raw earth construction system: technology and production process” fits into this area, and has as its object the definition of a technology and the process of implementing a modular and reinforced raw earth construction system. This invention combines excellent thermal and mechanical performance with a low environmental impact due to the base materials and processes used.

Technical features

The invention consists of an anti-seismic construction system composed of rammed earth walls, reinforced by anti-seismic devices made up of a wooden reinforcement frame and nylon rope bindings. It involves the use of a system of formwork integrated with the wooden frame, capable of guaranteeing rapid, economical and partially prefabricated installation.

The system is partly created in the factory (with a controlled supply chain for the production of components, mixtures and joint systems) and then assembled on site, thus guaranteeing quality control.

Compared to other existing earth technologies – mostly artisanal – this invention guarantees the expected final performance due to the rationalization of the production and construction process. Furthermore, compared to more industrialized earth technologies, it eliminates the use of highly polluting materials for the mechanical reinforcement of the mixtures (cement) and structural reinforcement of the system (concrete, steel), using natural and recyclable materials instead (natural fibres, wood ), in line with the most recent European environmental guidelines.

Possible Applications

• New green buildings (residential or other intended use): Timber construction system with a collaborating raw earth envelope
• Retrofit of existing buildings: earth mixtures can be used to create internal counter walls in order to improve thermal capacity, acoustic insulation, air humidity control and more generally internal comfort.

Advantages

• Reduced energy consumption and high levels of summer comfort
• Low environmental impacts compared to conventional technologies (-49% embodied energy compared to clay block walls)
• Recyclability of mixtures in their end-of-life
• Reinforced technology for use in seismic-prone areas