I came across a report titled Earth Building: Models, Technical Aspects, Tests and Environmental Evaluation by Sargentis, Kapsalis and Symeonidis. The report was presented at the 11th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology in September, 2009 in Greece.
The report has a number of fascinating insights. The team designed and analyzed a model earthbag dome. Of particular interest to me is the software analysis of shear and compression. The door area appears to be the weakest part due to shear forces, but according to the study it is within safe limits.
They give a number of positive endorsements to earthbag building. “Earth bag offers more structural integrity than adobe, more plasticity than rammed earth and more speed than cob. Although earth bag is new compared to these ancient building methods, it offers superior economy and durability in domed and vaulted assemblies.”
You can read the entire report on our EarthbagBuilding.com website, where we archive everything related to earthbag.
I want to build a eco friendly house in greece
Our websites have more free information than anyone else on the Internet. Just keep researching.
Did you build this in Greece? I am also looking to build an earthbag house here.
You might try emailing fivos.sargentis AT gmail.com since he wrote the report.
I read the Earthbag report. It was a very interesting read. It’s amazing that you can make a dome with these bags.