Figure 85 RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION

3.11.1Stabilized Rammed Earth (SRE) The main problem associated with the durability of the rammed earth primarily external surface protection, water resistance, shrinkage and strength which can be averted by adding a stabilizer ( cement, lime or pozzolan ). Stabilizer speeds the construction process, improves durability, allows thinner walls and requires less of a surface treatment. Stabilised rammed earth walls need little added protection but are usually coated with an air-permeable sealer to increase the life of the material. They require no extended eaves, no regular coats of lime wash and they don't fall down when they get wet. Consequently, when considered in the longer term, i.e. the life of the building, cement stabilised earth walls are far better, safer and require less energy than unstabilised earth walls or walls built using other stabilisers. "Stabilised Rammed Earth is not perfect but it is the best environmental solution for building walls that is available at the moment.' ADVANTAGES OF RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION - ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY - Greatly reduce amount of Carbon - THERMAL PERFORMANCE - Maintain thermal comfort inside building. COST EFFECTIVE: In using soil from site can reduce cost. no transport is reduced. if soil from outside it cost around RS 2055 sq/cu. when compare of convention material it is 60% cheaper. - LOW MAINTENANCE AND FAST CONSTRUCTION - FIRE RESISTANCE AND ACOUSTICS RESISTANCE

Figure 85 RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION