A Review of Chemical Stabilisation Used to Enhance The Mechanical Properties of Rammed Earth

Authors

David Thompson, Technological University DublinFollow
Charles Augarde, Durham UniversityFollow
Juan Pablo Osorio, Technological University DublinFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9230-6872

Document Type

Review

Disciplines

Civil engineering, Construction engineering, Geotechnics

Publication Details

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44290-025-00184-1

doi:10.1007/s44290-025-00184-1

Abstract

Rammed earth is a sustainable construction method with a lower carbon footprint and embodied energy compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. However, its lower mechanical properties when compared to these forms of construction make it vulnerable to seismic forces. This paper reviews the published literature on enhancing rammed earth's mechanical properties through both chemical stabilisation and fibre reinforcement, with a focus on reusing waste materials. The effectiveness of these techniques are highlighted by comparing experimental results with minimum specifications taken from relevant guidelines and standards for building rammed earth structures in seismic zones. These findings demonstrate that chemical stabilisation and fibre reinforcement can improve rammed earth's mechanical properties, ensuring it meets these minimum specifications thus making it a viable form of construction in areas with seismic activity.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-025-00184-1

Recommended Citation

Thompson, David; Augarde, Charles; and Osorio, Juan Pablo, "A Review of Chemical Stabilisation Used to Enhance The Mechanical Properties of Rammed Earth" (2025). Articles. 149.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/engschcivart/149

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.