Beijing Olympics: an update

The Rowen Travel Award was granted for the study of historic rammed earth structures in Spain and India. Eight locations in northern Spain and three in northern India were visited during October and November 2006. The object of the visits was to gain a greater understanding of historic rammed earth. Methods of construction, modes of failure and repair techniques were investigated. Use of rammed earth as a modern building material is increasing, and the study of historic structures can inform development of the technique today. A number of examples which are considered to be of interest to practicing engineers are presented. The examples deal with the presence of water in earthen structures, cracking and methods of crack repair, the facing of rammed earth with a less permeable material, and medieval seismic protection measures. This work forms part of a PhD looking into the analysis and conservation of historic rammed earth structures, with field visits being a major aspect of the study. Paul Jaquin, MEng University of Durham