Throughout the process a record of the procedure, observations and inferences have been thoroughly documented. Various trials with varying proportions of mix have been experimented with and scrutinized. The results have fuelled the next round of experiments. The engineering of shuttering and vibrators and the designing of custom funnels have been delved into along the way. Over a period of learning and refining the procedure, the results achieved is getting closer to the desired outcomes. My intent is to engage with earth as a material through tactile play and explore its potential as a construction material.
Rammed earth is a construction technique that involves compacting of an earth aggregate mix with a stabilizer. For the rammed earth model the above material was taken in varying permissible proportions by volume and around 5 percent cement was added in by weight. The dry matter is combined to form a consistent mixture and water is added to form a concoction that was dense and plastic. The shuttering was lubricated and the joints were sealed before filling in mix. The mixture was added into the shuttering in stages and rammed at regular intervals. After casting the models, it was left to rest undisturbed for 12 hours while the curing process took a couple of weeks.
Shuttering Kit, version F3 (Poured Earth) © GDK Designs
In order to attempt earth as a construction material we had to understand the composition of earth and the role each of its components play in creating a soil mix.
- Gravel gives compressive strength
- Sand acts an a binder
- Silt and Clay give plasticity
Designing, building and constructing involves mixing the above in various proportions in accordance with the soil available. Along with soil, the addition of sand, aggregate and water creates an adequate and workable mix. A stabilizer like cement is added to increases strength and durability.
- Project Lead: Girish Dariyav Karnawat
- Carpenters: Rajinder Sharma and Manikram Sharma
- Interns: Ansh Ajmera and Taira Pinto