The performance testing of earthen materials: Challenges and future developments

Abstract

Modern earth buildings are still a niche market despite their great potential to tackle some of the future challenges of the world housing shortage. The paper will discuss how to assess the engineering limitations of earthen architecture and the challenges faced by its development. As with any construction materials, it is crucial to know the limitations of the material to design and build safely. This is still an issue for earthen architecture, due to the variability of earths (local soils) and the lack of standard testing procedures. In this context, we will explain the work driven by the RILEM Technical committee 274-TCE.