Long sandbags are filled on-site and arranged in layers or as compressed coils. Stabilizers such as cement, lime, or sodium carbonate may be added to an ideal mix of 70% sand, 30% clay. Straw may also be added. The earthbags are then plastered over with adobe.
The time consuming part, filling the bags. The bags are filled in place on the wall. The CalEarth site says that three reasonably-fit persons can lay 100 linear ft of bag per day.
Foundations differ as per site. Here, in a rainy locale, rocks were placed under the earthbags for drainage. Note the barbed wire which keeps the bags from slipping and creates an earthquake resistent structure.
Finished inside.
The aerodynamic forms resist hurricanes and the structures pass California’s earthquake codes. They are flood and fire resistant as well. A double eco-dome can be built (bagged) in 10 weeks.
Usually used as emergency shelters, like the above one.
Finished inside of a vaulted earthbag home.
I wouldn't mind living in one of these. I bet they are nice and cool inside especially if you went a step further and planted grass/plants on the outside roof and such, which was in their next plans for the earthbag construction.
No comments:
Post a Comment