Weathering and durability of earthen material and structures

Abstract

Durability of earthen structures is mainly dependent on the action of water on the walls. In this chapter, the relevance of the current tests measuring the resistance of earthen material to water is analysed and some pertinent tests are suggested to corresponding domains of application. The second part of the chapter deals with the use of plaster to increase durability. The validation of the plaster is proposed thanks to two in situ tests: the shrinkage test and the shear test for surface coatings. The long-term performance of earthen material is then analysed through research that has been conducted on walls exposed to natural climatic conditions for several years. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.