In the heart of eastern Croatia, a silent revolution is brewing, one that could reshape not only the region’s architectural landscape but also its energy sector. Traditional rammed earth houses, once a staple of the area, are making a comeback, thanks to groundbreaking research led by Jelena Kaluđer. The study, published in ‘Građevinar’, the Croatian journal for construction engineering, delves into the physical properties of the soil used in these historic structures, offering a roadmap for their revival.
Rammed earth construction, a method as old as civilization itself, involves compressing a mixture of soil, gravel, and sometimes stabilizers into solid walls. The technique is not just eco-friendly but also energy-efficient, providing excellent thermal mass that can regulate indoor temperatures. This is where the energy sector comes in. As the world grapples with climate change, the demand for sustainable building materials and methods is surging. Rammed earth construction, with its low embodied energy and high thermal performance, could be a game-changer.
Kaluđer’s research focuses on the soil’s physical properties, a critical factor in the durability and performance of rammed earth structures. The study found that the Atterberg limits—the parameters that define a soil’s plasticity and shrinkage—were within recommended values, indicating that the soil is suitable for rammed earth construction. However, the particle size distribution differed from most recommendations, a finding that could influence future construction practices.
“The results suggest that we need to rethink the particle size distribution for rammed earth construction in this region,” Kaluđer said. “This could lead to more efficient use of local materials and reduce the need for imported soil, lowering construction costs and environmental impact.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By promoting the use of local, sustainable materials, this research could reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. Moreover, the thermal properties of rammed earth structures could lead to significant energy savings in heating and cooling, a boon for both residential and commercial buildings.
The study also highlights the need for standards and recommendations for rammed earth construction in Croatia. Currently, the lack of such guidelines has stifled the construction and renovation of these houses. With detailed recommendations on the horizon, there’s hope that rammed earth construction could make a significant comeback.
The research also underscores the importance of understanding local soil properties. As Kaluđer notes, “One size does not fit all when it comes to rammed earth construction. Each region has its unique soil characteristics, and construction practices should be tailored accordingly.”
The findings could also spur innovation in the construction industry. As more companies look to reduce their environmental impact, there’s a growing demand for sustainable building materials and methods. Rammed earth construction, with its low embodied energy and high thermal performance, could be a key player in this shift.
The research published in ‘Građevinar’ (which translates to ‘Civil Engineer’) could shape future developments in the field. As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, the insights from this study could pave the way for a new era of green construction. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from this research, as the demand for energy-efficient buildings continues to rise. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, rammed earth construction could be the key to a more sustainable future.
