The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers suggests that the building sector represents over 30 percent of our national energy consumption (Parsons, R., 2001). Embodied energy in components of building construction can represent as much as five to ten years of operating energy. Building materials such as concrete, steel and glass require significant amounts of energy for production, and therefore are important when calculating embodied energy in buildings (Keable, 2007; Rypkema, 2007). Because of the relatively large area and volume of related components, the building enclosure system represents a major factor when calculating embodied energy. Alternative materials could be incorporated by adapting traditional and vernacular building approaches to today's standards, for example, compressing soil blocks for use as external walls in buildings that can be applicable to almost any climate including rainforests and cold climates. As an alternative to high-embodied energy materials used for enclosure systems, compacted earth-based enclosure systems may be a viable option, particularly if developed and applied as a pre-manufactured modular system. This study seeks to both quantitatively and qualitatively explore the potential development of earth-based building curtain wall systems. Using modified ASTM test protocols for building enclosure systems and components, alternative earth-based panels were compared. The results suggest that earth-based panels may be a viable option for curtain wall systems but its performance is highly dependent on the composition of the panels. The results of the tests are summarized. / Master of Science

Cette contribution, en s’appuyant sur un travail expérimental et de modélisation numérique à l’aide de la méthode des éléments distincts, vise l’étude de structures en maçonnerie et de structures en pisé. Pour la partie maçonnerie, notre étude traite tout d’abord de modèles réduits testés sur table inclinable, puis dans un second temps nous avons testé des murs en briques à une échelle représentative. Dans la deuxième partie, nous avons mené des essais sur des murs en pisé sous un chargement en cisaillement, avec ou sans précontrainte axiale de confinement qui correspond à une descente de charge. Une modélisation numérique par la méthode des éléments discrets a été réalisée pour ces différents cas d’étude. La comparaison entre les résultats expérimentaux et numériques, nous a permis, d’évaluer les pertinences et limites de la modélisation via la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM). / This contribution, based on experimental work and numerical modeling using the distinct elements method, aims to study masonry structures and rammed earth structures. For the masonry part, our study first deals with reduced models tested on tilting table, then in a second time we tested brick walls on a representative scale. In the second part, we conducted tests on rammed earth walls under a shear loading, with or without axial prestressing of the containment which corresponds to a descent of load. Numerical modeling using the discrete element method has been carried out for these different case studies. The comparison between the experimental and numerical results, allowed us to evaluate the relevance and limits of modeling via the discrete element method (DEM).

Este trabalho pretende estabelecer bases para a análise de estruturas correntes feitas em taipa de pilão. Esse material, constituído quase que somente por terra obtida no local da obra, tem todas as propriedades do que se chama uma construção sustentável, incluindo um mínimo de consumo de energia, se comparado as estruturas convencionais em aço e concreto. O texto é dividido em três temas principais. O primeiro trata de revisão da pouca literatura técnica existente sobre o assunto, incluindo a descrição das técnicas de construção e de seleção e preparo dos materiais. O segundo abrange a pesquisa feita pela autora no preparo e ensaio de corpos de prova do material, com a intenção de obter parâmetros que são o insumo para a análise propriamente dita de estruturas desse tipo. Esta análise é a terceira parte do trabalho, a qual consiste no processamento de modelos tridimensionais de elementos finitos de estruturas de construções hipotéticas em taipa de pilão. / This work intends to provide basis for the analysis of common structures built of rammed earth. This material, constituted almost entirely of earth obtained in the place where the building will stand, has all the properties of what is known as sustainable construction, including a minimal consume of energy, as compared to conventional steel or concrete structures. The text is divided in three main themes. The first reports the review the little existing technical literature on the subject, including the description of the building procedures and the selection and preparation of the materials. The second reports research conducted by the author on the preparation and testing of samples of the material, in order to obtain the parameters needed in the analysis of structures of this type. This is the third part of the work, consisting in the numerical analysis of three dimensional finite element models of hypothetical buildings made of rammed earth.

Este trabalho pretende estabelecer bases para a análise de estruturas correntes feitas em taipa de pilão. Esse material, constituído quase que somente por terra obtida no local da obra, tem todas as propriedades do que se chama uma construção sustentável, incluindo um mínimo de consumo de energia, se comparado as estruturas convencionais em aço e concreto. O texto é dividido em três temas principais. O primeiro trata de revisão da pouca literatura técnica existente sobre o assunto, incluindo a descrição das técnicas de construção e de seleção e preparo dos materiais. O segundo abrange a pesquisa feita pela autora no preparo e ensaio de corpos de prova do material, com a intenção de obter parâmetros que são o insumo para a análise propriamente dita de estruturas desse tipo. Esta análise é a terceira parte do trabalho, a qual consiste no processamento de modelos tridimensionais de elementos finitos de estruturas de construções hipotéticas em taipa de pilão. / This work intends to provide basis for the analysis of common structures built of rammed earth. This material, constituted almost entirely of earth obtained in the place where the building will stand, has all the properties of what is known as sustainable construction, including a minimal consume of energy, as compared to conventional steel or concrete structures. The text is divided in three main themes. The first reports the review the little existing technical literature on the subject, including the description of the building procedures and the selection and preparation of the materials. The second reports research conducted by the author on the preparation and testing of samples of the material, in order to obtain the parameters needed in the analysis of structures of this type. This is the third part of the work, consisting in the numerical analysis of three dimensional finite element models of hypothetical buildings made of rammed earth.

Submitted by EDUARDO DA SILVA PINTO null (falecom_edu@hotmail.com) on 2017-01-11T16:16:55Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Final Revisada.pdf: 15135107 bytes, checksum: 771e35a4fe6f9c0ef2e875ce1487b7c4 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-01-12T16:15:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 pinto_es_me_bauru.pdf: 15135107 bytes, checksum: 771e35a4fe6f9c0ef2e875ce1487b7c4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-12T16:15:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 pinto_es_me_bauru.pdf: 15135107 bytes, checksum: 771e35a4fe6f9c0ef2e875ce1487b7c4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-16 / No presente trabalho são propostos métodos de ensaio para caracterização física e mecânica de solo-cimento compactado. Para que esse objetivo seja alcançado, é proposto um novo modelo de molde, para produção de corpos de prova, tornando os ensaios mais práticos e confiáveis, com intuito de incentivar o uso de técnicas de construção civil que gerem menos impactos ambientais negativos. Além disso, através dos resultados obtidos, pretendeu-se produzir subsídios para futuras discussões com outros pesquisadores, com intuito de que seja feita uma revisão das normas brasileiras de solo-cimento, junto a Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT). Os resultados obtidos através dos ensaios realizados com o novo molde são promissores no que diz respeito a facilitar o processo de caracterização física e mecânica do material, mantendo um nível de confiabilidade compatível com o obtido através da metodologia atual. / In this research we propose a new methodology for testing physical and mechanical characterization of rammed earth stabilized with cement. For this objective to be achieved, it proposes a new mold for the production of test specimens, making it more practical and reliable, aiming to encourage the use of construction techniques that generate less negative environmental impacts. In addition, through the results obtained, we intend to generate a basis for future discussions with other researchers, with an objective to a revision of Brazilian soil-cement standards, with the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards - ABNT. Results obtained from the tests performed with the new mold are promising with regard to facilitate the process of physical and mechanical characterization of the material while maintaining a reliability level consistent with that obtained over the current methodology.

Orientador: Andre Munhoz de Argollo Ferrão / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-11T13:09:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Heise_AndreFalleiros_M.pdf: 6063672 bytes, checksum: bed385d402a20c2a72ee8254c79b8275 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004 / Resumo: O universo da construção civil vem se tornando o foco principal das pesquisas científicas e tecnológicas nos diversos campos do conhecimento humano, por ser um dos responsáveis pelo alto grau de problemas ambientais e sociais. Através da inovação tecnológica é possível diminuir estes problemas, utilizando processos que geram poucos resíduos poluentes e incluem as pessoas em seus processos, melhorando as condições e a qualidade de vida da população. Os principais objetivos deste trabalho são: mapear, identificar etapas, calcular suas médias produtivas e propor melhoramentos para o processo de produção do painel monolítico de solo-cimento em taipa de pilão. O autor investigou cinco canteiros de obra que utilizaram a tecnologia de construção do painel monolítico de solo-cimento, mapeou os canteiros de obra, identificou os painéis e as atividades do processo, bem como as ferramentas e equipamentos, materiais e mão-de-obra e as informações necessárias; identificando finalmente a ocorrência de não conformidades. A partir da investigação do processo foi possível indicar possibilidades de melhorias com o investimento em equipamento, treinamento e qualificação de mão de obra e utilização de procedimentos de execução e de controle de qualidade das atividades. E para as etapas do processo foram calculadas as médias produtivas e através das tabelas e gráficos foram analisadas as produtividades do processo, resultando, assim, em recomendações para melhoria da eficiência e da produtividade do processo / Abstract: The universe of the building site is turning the main focus of the scientific and technological researches in the several fields of the human knowledge, for being one of the responsible for the high degree of environmental and social problems. Through the technological innovation it is possible to reduce these problems, using processes that generate few pollutant residues and they include the people in its processes, improving the conditions and the quality of life of the population. The principal objectives of this work: to map, to identify stages, to calculate your productive averages and to propose improvements for the process of production of the monolithic panel of soil-cement in rammed earth. The author investigated five builder¿s yard that used the technology of construction of the monolithic panel of soil-cement, it mapped the builder¿s yard, it identified the panels and the activities of the process, as well as the tools and equipments, materials and labor and the necessary information; identifying the occurrence of non conformities finally. Starting from the investigation of the process it was possible to indicate possibilities of improvements with the investment in equipment, training and qualification of work hand and use of execution procedures and of control of quality of the activities. And for the stages of the process the productive averages were calculated and through the tables and graphs were analyzed the productivities of the process, resulting, like this, in recommendations for improvement of the efficiency and of the productivity of the process / Mestrado / Edificações / Mestre em Engenharia Civil

Building rammed earth structures provides a sustainable alternative to concrete. As a building material, rammed earth exhibits very varied physical and material properties depending on the proportion of constituting soil types. When very sandy soil is used in rammed earth production, the properties are different from when a clayey soil is used. This variability can be seen as a very great advantage in the use of rammed earth as a building material. Builders are able to adjust specific properties by changing mix proportions to obtain a desirable balance in the characteristics of the resulting rammed earth structure. This research work looks at selected mechanical and physical properties of different mixes of rammed earth. It describes typical range of values in density, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water ingress and compressive strength. It examines how these factors interrelate in the same soil mixes. Samples were prepared by blending various soil types in specific proportions to ensure that each definition of soil grade is as specific as possible. Unstabilised rammed earth was tested as was cement stabilised rammed earth. Rammed earth was tested at various levels of stabilisation and it was discovered that higher rates of stabilisation was not always beneficial to every material property. The research also looked into the potential disposal of waste materials in rammed earth. As rammed earth is a monolithic material that largely remains undisturbed throughout its life span, it was suggested that waste materials could be stored in an inert form inside of rammed earth rather than dumping it in otherwise agricultural landmass. Pulverised Fuel Ash and Palm Kernel Shells were identified as wastes to be disposed in rammed earth. Pulverised Fuel Ash, a by-product of industrial furnace is found in abundance in developed countries that burn carbonaceous materials in power plants. Disposals have been seen as a problem as only a small proportion of high loss on ignition (LOI) Pulverised Fuel Ash has found application. Palm Kernel Shell is a by-product of the oil palm industry and is currently a menace in many developing countries that need to dispose large quantities of the shell in landfills. At an early stage of the research, experimental trial runs quickly showed that these supposedly waste materials had a positive effect on some of the material properties of the rammed earth walls they were made into. This research effort evolved to look into exploiting these materials to improve the physical and material property of rammed earth and to suggest their effect on stabilised and unstabilised rammed earth. The extent to which these materials could be useful and the level at which diminishing returns set in was also investigated. It was discovered that soil mixes that would otherwise not be considered suitable for use in rammed earth wall production can now be utilised as their characteristics can be improved on simply by adding Pulverised Fuel Ash or Palm Kernel shell in the right proportion. Incorporating Pulverised Fuel Ash in rammed earth resulted in increased compressive strength. Palm Kernel shell improved thermal properties without compromising compressive strength.

This Diploma thesis deals with possibilities of utilizing earth as a building material for con-struction of detached houses using the rammed earth technology. Research in domestic and foreign literature led to description of the historical development of building from earth, overview of historical technologies and historical development of the technology of rammed earth. Subsequently, the thesis deals with nowadays very relevant problematics of sustainable construction, which is closely related to the use of natural materials, such as earth. Furthermore, the thesis describes the technology of rammed earth with examples of already realized buildings, both in the Czech Republic and other countries. The last part of the research describes selected methods of testing the physical-mechanical properties of rammed earth used abroad. The first section of experimental part deals with the design of earth mixtures for three specific sites (Dolany, Valchov and Dolní Těrlicko), using a computer model in Excel. The rest of experimental part contains the design of methodology for the production of test specimens for the pressure testing, and selected tests are performed for better knowledge of the physical-mechanical properties of the designed earth mixtures. The last part of the thesis discusses the problematics of legislative process of permitting rammed earth buildings and practical construction recommendations.

This thesis project is an attempt to learn from vernacular building traditions when designing sustainable homes for families in a contemporary rural setting. My proposal is a multi-generational home consisting of reused old log houses, which would otherwise be torn down, joined together through a composition of local materials for new rammed earth structures.  The site is located in Dalarna, a province known for its image based around traditions closely related to small-scale farming and tight knit local communities. Vernacular architecture has been, and still is, the icon of this region. Vernacular buildings in the north part of Sweden have been almost exclusively log houses. The widespread accessibility of good quality wood has enabled sturdy log structures to be built that may last for hundreds of years.  The construction method of stacking logs on top of each other, held together only by their own weight and the pieces interlocking, is a flexible building method. The house can grow if needed by adding on additional logs, or taken apart completely for easy transportation. This is something that has enabled me to gather existing building from different parts of Sweden and bring them new life. This proposal consists of seven log houses, all found for sale online.

“Kollektiv odling i kris - en antropocen trädgård"  visar en vision av hur ytor i en svensk stad har omformats och omplanerats, kanske som en konsekvens av samhälleliga beslut, kanske genom ideellt arbete - kanske bäggedera.   Bakgrunden till allt det här är såklart klimatförändringarna, som med stor sannolikhet om några år även kommer påverka matförsörjningen. Det blir då nödvändigt att odla mer lokalt, i Sverige och i våra städer där merparten bor och lever.   Idén är att odlingsmarken och växthus genererar grönsaker och baljväxter, som vi idag importerar, och som kommer att utgöra en större andel av vår kost i framtiden. Transporterna blir minimalt korta, och maten konsumeras i första hand av stadsborna runt omkring, samtidigt som avfallet från odlingen genererar värme och jord till växthuset och odlingen.   Runt varje trädgård går en mur av jord som skyddar odlingen från ljud och avgaser från motorvägen, och även från vinden. Muren blir en tydlig figur i stadslandskapet som ramar in och skyddar odlingen. Alla trädgårdar har en mittaxel där vattnet leds, och bredvid ligger odlingarna, som ramas in av jordväggar som värmer upp jorden. Strukturen förstärks av längor av växthus längs med jordväggarna.   Den antropocena trädgården är varken en utopi eller dystopi. Projektet handlar bara om hur framtiden kanske helt nödvändigt kan komma att se ut, och om hur staden kan planera för att möta framtida behov. / ”Collective cultivation in crisis – an Anthropocene garden” shows a vision of how the spaces in a Swedish city have been reshaped and restructured, perhaps as a consequence of societal decisions, perhaps through local initiatives – perhaps both.   The background to this project is obviously climate change, which most likely, in a few years’ time, will also affect food supply. It will then be necessary to grow locally, in Sweden and in our cities where most people live.   The idea is thus that the cultivated land and greenhouses will generate vegetables and legumes, which we today import and which will make up most of our food intake in the future. Transportation will be minimised, and the food will be consumed firstly by the city dwellers living around the cultivation, at the same time as the waste produced will generate heat and soil for the greenhouse and cultivation.   Around each garden, there is a wall made of earth that protects the cultivation from noise and exhaust from the motorway and also from the wind. The wall becomes a significant figure in the cityscape that frames and protects the cultivation. All the gardens have a central axis where the water is conducted and next to it there are the cultivations, framed by the walls which heat up the soil. The structure is strengthened by rows of greenhouses along the earth walls. The Anthropocene garden is neither a utopia nor a dystopia. The project is simply about how the future may necessarily come to look like, and about how the city can plan to meet future needs.