Krahn - Essential rammed earth construction: the complete step-by-step guide

Praise for

Essential Rammed Earth Construction

Rammed earth construction is enjoying a renewal as people recognize it as a great, climate-friendly way to build. With research and experimentation all over the world expanding the range of clay construction, Tim Krahn brings a much-needed and science-based update to a North American audience of designers, engineers and builders. Tim, what took you so long?

Bruce King. P.E., author, The New Carbon Architecture

Essential Rammed Earth Construction is a great book for anyone who wants to deepen their technical knowledge of rammed earth walls systems. I appreciate all the work Tim has put in to aggregating a vast body of knowledge into a useful book. Its very helpful to have a book on rammed earth that is more focused on engineered rammed earth walls for cold climates.

Clifton Schooley, Clifton Schooley & Associates, Rammed Earth Designers and Builders

This book provides excellent background, engineering science and practical advice for constructing rammed earth structures, from an established Canadian designer and builder. Tim Krahn takes us through the whole story, touching on current research into the mechanical and thermal properties of the material, to testing for compliance, to guidance on methods and details. The guide provides a welcome, up-to-date view of rammed earth construction and will be especially of interest to those building in colder climes.

Charles Augarde, Professor in Civil Engineering, Durham University, UK

Rammed Earth as a building technique has been practiced for around 10,000 years. It is arguably the most popular method of building worldwide. The demands of modern building require modern information. This book provides it. Both old and new information and techniques are covered so very well. With excellent advice for professionals and for beginners alike, it is an excellent book that should expand the successful use of rammed earth worldwide, thereby making the world a better place.

Stephen Dobson, Ramtec, Western Australia. Builder of over 750 rammed earth structures since 1976.

Tim has produced an excellent, well-balanced book. Essential Rammed Earth Construction will provide a comprehensive guide for engineers, builders, architects and clients to the specifics of rammed earth construction. Thoroughly researched, both academic and practical, this book raises the bar for rammed earth construction and will prove a valuable addition to the arsenal of rammed earth designers and builders around the world.

Dr Paul Jaquin, Structural Engineer, Queenstown, New Zealand

One of the traditional criticism of earthen structures is that they cannot hold in harsh climatic conditions. With this excellent work, Tim Krahn presents in a comprehensive, scientifically sound and not sugar-coated way how rammed earth buildings can hold in cold climates like Canada too. The book is very useful not only for practitioners, but also for scientists and whoever is wondering if rammed earth buildings could be an effective solution to tackle climate change.

Alessandro Arrigoni, Postdoctoral Researcher, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto

Tims Essential Rammed Earth Construction pulls apart the subject and gets into all the interesting aspects of the material. His thoughts on rammed earths larger-than-expected carbon footprint and potential alternatives to Portland cement give me hope for this great material as we move to lower carbon options. If you are an architect, engineer, or contractor, this book has the details to help you understand rammed earth.

Terrell Wong OAA, President of Passive Buildings Canada, Stones Throw Design Inc., Architect for the Environment

Tim presents the engineering understanding of rammed earth construction in the honest voice of an experienced expert. Be you technical or practical, experienced or novice, this book has something for everyone.

Dr Christopher Beckett, The University of Edinburgh

Essential Rammed Earth Construction has all of the essential knowledge for completing a successful rammed earth project. Written by a geo-technical engineer with experience ramming earth, the book will assure you that all of the nitty gritty details are covered.

Kelly Hart, author, Essential Earthbag Construction

Series editors

Chris Magwood and Jen Feigin

Title list

Essential Hempcrete Construction, Chris Magwood

Essential Prefab Straw Bale Construction, Chris Magwood

Essential Building Science, Jacob Deva Racusin

Essential Light Straw Clay Construction, Lydia Doleman

Essential Sustainable Home Design, Chris Magwood

Essential Cordwood Building, Rob Roy

Essential Earthbag Construction, Kelly Hart

Essential Natural Plasters, Michael Henry & Tina Therrien

Essential Composting Toilets, Gord Baird & Ann Baird

Essential Rainwater Harvesting, Rob Avis & Michelle Avis

Essential Rammed Earth Construction, Tim Krahn

See www.newsociety.com/SBES for a complete list of new and forthcoming series titles.

THE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ESSENTIALS SERIES covers the full range of natural and green building techniques with a focus on sustainable materials and methods and code compliance. Firmly rooted in sound building science and drawing on decades of experience, these large-format, highly illustrated manuals deliver comprehensive, practical guidance from leading experts using a well-organized step-by-step approach. Whether your interest is foundations, walls, insulation, mechanical systems, or final finishes, these unique books present the essential information on each topic including:

Material specifications, testing, and building code references

Plan drawings for all common applications

Tool lists and complete installation instructions

Finishing, maintenance, and renovation techniques

Budgeting and labor estimates

Additional resources

Written by the worlds leading sustainable builders, designers, and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information is key to success. GET THE ESSENTIALS!

Copyright 2019 by Tim Krahn.

All rights reserved.

Cover design by Diane McIntosh.

Cover images: Bottom right: Emily Blackman. Top middle and top right: Tim Krahn.

Illustrations by Dale Brownson.

All uncredited photos in the book: Tim Krahn.

Chapter header image: Emily Blackman. Sidebar background: Tim Krahn.

Printed in Canada. First printing November 2018.

This book is intended to be educational and informative. It is not intended to serve as a guide. The author and publisher disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk that may be associated with the application of any of the contents of this book.

Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Essential Rammed Earth Construction should be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below. To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America) 1-800-567-6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com

Any other inquiries can be directed by mail to:

New Society Publishers