“Sandbag construction
To continue the theme of ingenious construction techniques for bioconstructors [natural builders], sacks of earth are a versatile and modern adaptation of a traditional way of building.
Building with earth has unique and beautiful qualities, as it is easy to heat and keep cool and has great soundproofing and a stable and healthy level of humidity. The traditional method of earthen walls was compacted with a wooden formwork is moved when each piece is completed, which is proven and has stood the test of time, but the sacks of earth construction is simpler to start with very little equipment or knowledge. The soil is compacted in polypropylene or burlap bags. It is easy to create forms and arches which eliminates the need for lintels over doors and windows. The vaulted roof may therefore not require precise beams.
Imagine! I almost have the building! The bags can be filled with most types of soil that contains clay. If they do not have to bring natural clay soil rich in clay and mix it with soil from the site and if the clay content is too high you have to add another earth or sand. You can do a simple test to determine the ratio of clay and sand. This construction is cheap, or free, and the bags are easy to find in Spain. The bags are lightweight and easily transported anywhere and the heavy construction materials are already on the site!”
Source: La Chispa
What is the test to determine the ratio of clay to sand?
For basic information like this search our main site at Earthbag Building.com. We have thousands of pages of free information.
Here’s the direct link to the best article that answers your question:
soi
Always do some simple earthbag tests because every soil is a little different. I show some of these tests on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/naturalhouses
Cool do you have any working plans for this type
There are free plans on our websites. I had some at Instructables.com and Kelly Hart has some at Earthbag Building.com. You can also buy Doni and Kaki’s earthbag book.
I love the idea but how long do these bags last?
The US Dept. of Transportation uses polypropylene bags on highway retainment projects and they did a study on the durability. They concluded polypropylene in benign environments out of sunlight (ex: underground or protected with plaster) can last 500 years or more. Search our blog for details. The report is available online.
Radical :)
Just a reminder for those wanting to build domes in humid climates — be sure to add enough windows for ventilation.