Abstract:
Wall construction with stabilized earth in houses and low-rise buildings in becoming popular with the promotion of sustainable concepts in the construction industry. Many studies conducted on strength properties of stabilized earth have shown this material is strong enough for the load bearing of two or three story construction with engineering design. Durability is another key parameter of a walling material. This paper covers the outcome of a detailed study conducted on durability of stabilized earth as a walling material. This include, levels of stabilization necessary to improve durability, the performance of different surface coatings applied on earth walls and testing of surface coatings on durability properties according to the relevant accepted standards. Two types of stabilized earth walls were considered in the study, such as compressed stabilized earth blocks and stabilized rammed earth.
With the findings of the study covered in this paper now it is selected surface coatings for different levels of durability of earth walls, required by the clients. Further the necessary stabilization levels can be selected to maintained both strength and durability.
