Summary: Jaquin, P. A. et al. (2009). Ge´otechnique 59, No. 5, 487­490 [doi: 10.1680/geot.2007.00129]
487
TECHNICAL NOTE
The strength of unstabilised rammed earth materials
P. A. JAQUIN*, C. E. AUGARDE, D. GALLIPOLI and D. G. TOLL
Rammed earth is a manufactured material comprising
sand, gravel and clay, which is compacted between forms
to build walls. Primarily a historic method of construc-
tion, it is now receiving considerable interest worldwide
owing to its zero reliance on materials such as cement,
and its potential for recycling. Despite its longevity, the
source of its shear strength is poorly understood. This
paper presents initial laboratory test results that point to
the main source of strength in rammed earth being
suction, and indicating that recent advances in unsatu-
rated soil mechanics may also be applied to this material.
KEYWORDS: compaction; laboratory tests; partial saturation;
suction
Le pise´ est un mate´riau manufacture´, compose´ de sable,
de gravier et d'argile, qui est compacte´ dans des cof-

Source: Augarde, Charles - School of Engineering, University of Durham

Collections: Engineering