In the relentless pursuit of sustainable construction practices, a master’s student from Ankara Yildırım Beyazıt University, Muhammet Halit Alkadri, is championing an ancient building technique that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector. Alkadri’s research, published in the Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA), focuses on the rammed earth technique, a traditional method that uses soil as the primary material.
The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, making it a prime target for innovative solutions. Alkadri’s study proposes the rammed earth technique as a viable alternative to conventional building methods, which often rely on energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel. “By rethinking traditional techniques that use soil as the main material, we can design more sustainable buildings,” Alkadri states, highlighting the potential of this age-old method in modern construction.
Rammed earth walls are created by compacting damp soil into formwork, resulting in a robust and durable structure. This technique not only reduces the need for energy-intensive materials but also minimizes waste, as the soil can be sourced locally. Alkadri’s research delves into the thermal behavior of rammed earth walls, revealing their excellent insulating properties, which can lead to significant energy savings in both heating and cooling.
The study also examines the embodied energy of rammed earth construction, which is the total energy required to produce a building, including the extraction, processing, and transportation of materials. “The embodied energy of rammed earth is considerably lower than that of conventional materials,” Alkadri explains, underscoring the environmental benefits of this technique.
However, the research also acknowledges the challenges associated with rammed earth construction, such as the need for skilled labor and the potential for water damage if not properly managed. Despite these hurdles, the advantages of rammed earth in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency make it a compelling option for the future of construction.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for sustainable building practices is expected to grow. Alkadri’s research could shape future developments in the field, encouraging architects and builders to explore traditional techniques that align with modern sustainability goals. By embracing methods like rammed earth construction, the industry can take a significant step towards minimizing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable built environment.