Rammed Earth: Construction Lessons from Experience
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18, Issue 3
Abstract
If modern engineers devote careful attention to the environment of a project and study historical building techniques they can create more sustainable structures. Rammed-earth construction creates a thermal mass structure that cools the interior space during hot, dry summers and absorbs heat during cold winters. It is a historic building method dating back over 2,000 years, and the techniques of native practitioners offer suggestions as to how modern engineers can successfully apply the method.
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Acknowledgments
The authors extend their appreciation to the National Science Foundation for its funding of the Learning from the Ancient Engineers of the Great Inka Road project. We are also indebted to the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian for bringing together its experts and hosting meetings. The Universidad de Piura, Piura, Peru, also provided critical support to the field researchers.
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Sep 18, 2012
Accepted: Oct 23, 2012
Published online: Oct 25, 2012
Published in print: Aug 1, 2013
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