Rammed Earth Walls for Farm Buildings

Rammed earth walls are made by ramming ordinary moist earth into forms. The walls are rammed in place directly upon the building foundation and in sections. The forms are similar to those used for concrete construction except that they must be much stronger and heavier. The ramming may be done either by hand or by mechanical power. In reading this bulletin it will be very helpful if the table of contents is consulted for the subjects. The purpose of this experimental study of pisé construction was to secure definite and reliable information with which we could answer the many inquiries concerning it that were coming to the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. The wide range of soil types over the state of South Dakota made it impossible to make reliable recommendations as to its use for this construction without a careful and detailed study of South Dakota soils, and of soils in general, for this purpose. This is a progress report.