Читать книгу More Straw Bale Building - Peter Mack - Страница 42

Using flood control sacks or sandbags to act as permanent forms for earthen fill, earthbag building is also known as flexible form rammed earth. The polypropylene sacks (used for sandbags and feed bags) are filled with sand or other well-draining soils for foundation building, and with clay soils for above-grade walls. Stacked in running bond (like straw bales), these earthbags can create regular vertical walls or can be stacked to create vaulted or dome-shaped buildings. Developed by Nadir Kalili (for use on the moon!), the system can be used to create inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and very beautiful buildings.

The completed earthbag structure is typically plastered inside and out, protecting the bags from ultraviolet (UV) degradation and wear and tear. As with all earthen construction, earthbag buildings provide excellent thermal mass properties, but not much in the way of insulation value. Earthbag building can be used for interior elements for straw bale homes, or to continue bale-like forms in exterior and landscaping elements.