Strategies to improve earth building durability

Abstract

One of the main weaknesses of earthen architecture is the scarce durability against water action, either by rain, flood or capillarity action, especially in countries with high rainfall index. However, the vernacular earthen architecture has demonstrated that it is possible to obtain durable constructions, although this knowledge seems to have been forgotten over the years. New technologies were developed to improve the durability of earthen architecture, however, the sustainability could be compromised either by excessive use of cement or extreme waterproof materials. In this paper, one intends to identify and evaluate vernacular strategies that allowhigher protection to water action on the earth material. This way, it will be possible to understand how many earth buildings were preserved during several centuries and has resisted to harsh weather conditions.