Nikul Vadgama from the University of Bath has completed one of the most extensive reports so far on earthbag building. In order for earthbag to enter mainstream building practice, engineering tests and analysis like this are needed by engineers, architects and code officials.
“The use of earthbags as structural material for housing has grown in popularity over the past decade; however, research into its structural behaviour is limited. Current design relies on previous experience or trial and error. If the use of earthbags as building material is to develop, an understanding into its material properties and structural behaviour is needed. By way of empirical analysis this dissertation aims to investigate the material mechanics of sand filled earthbags and establish a set of material parameters which will aid the design of earthbag structures.
The dissertation is collaborative with Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios who plan to build earthbag housing in Namibia. Test parameters for this dissertation have been chosen specifically to help inform the project, which in turn provides a physical bearing to the experimental programme and analysis.”
Source: A Material and Structural Analysis of Earthbag Housing
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