Rammed EarthWhat is it? Most easily described as man-made rock, rammed earth is formed by compacting layers of specially selected earth to create extremely dense walls. Rammed earth use goes back over 2,000 years, to the Great Wall of China. Used in high-end homes in the U.S. and gaining popularity, rammed earth can also be used in special circumstances by Exup.
How does it work? Rammed earth is formed of selected earth and cement which is tamped, or rammed, into place. The pressure of this tamping and the chemical reaction with the cement forces a one way reaction that creates custom walls of high density.
What are the benefits for Exup structures? Rammed earth will not burn, making it a good choice for building in fire prone areas. With the density of solid rock, a compressive strength of up to 800 psi, and walls that can be up to two feet thick, rammed earth is an excellent thermal mass material.
The thick walls of a rammed earth building don’t allow sound to penetrate easily, and inside rammed earth homes is a quiet, peaceful, safe haven. Building with rammed earth avoids the use of wood, allowing forests to remain unharmed and functioning.
Because of their design process, rammed earth walls actually get stronger as they age, leaving future building occupants with a higher and higher quality structure. With a cost similar to conventional building, rammed earth is a high quality earth friendly durable building material.
A durable material, the exterior of rammed earth walls can be sealed, creating an impact-proof exterior that provides shelter in areas prone to strong winds and storms, as well as resistance to human attacks. Rammed earth buildings are promoted by Exup for embassy buildings, where aesthetics are just as important as performance, and where both are mission critical.
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