The suitability of rammed earth for construction in the Cape Town metropolitan area

• Main Author: Thuysbaert, John
• Other Authors: Alexander, Mark Gavin
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Materials Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12023

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references. === The purpose of this thesis was to explore the suitability for Rammed Earth construction in the Cape Town metropolitan area. This would ultimately lead to drawing up a guideline for building of Rammed Earth housing and structures. The research involved collecting sixteen soil samples from strategically selected sites in Cape Town. The suitability of a soil was established through a variety of tests, varying between relatively simple field tests and rigorous laboratory analysis. These tests were undertaken to assess soil grading, organic matter content, plasticity and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). Grading gave an indication of fines present and plasticity indicated the cohesive nature of the fines. More detailed tests were undertaken to determine type and level of soluble salts and mineralogical composition.