Adv. Studies Theor. Phys., Vol. 7, 2013, no.

1, 25 - 56
HIKARI Ltd, www.m-hikari.com

SANSWALL: Sandblasted Armed

Non-Stabilized Wall of Rammed Earth
M. A. El Azreq
Mohamed Vth University, Agdal, FSR
Rabat, Morocco

hirch_med@hotmail.com
A. El Hammoumi
Mohamed Vth University, Agdal, FSR
Rabat, Morocco

A. Iben Brahim
National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, Morocco

M. Kerroum
Mohamed Vth University, Agdal, FSR
Rabat, Morocco

K. Gueraoui
University Mohammed Vth Rabat-Agdal, LPT
URAC 13, Rabat, Morocco
kgueraoui@yahoo.fr

A. El Mouraouah
National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, Morocco

A. Lbadaoui
Mohamed Vth University, Agdal, FSR
Rabat, Morocco

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

M. Kasmi
National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, Morocco.

A. Birouk
National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, Morocco.

K. El Harrouni
Ecole Nationale dArchitecture, Rabat, Morocco

Abstract
The earthen building construction is an ancient technique that is experiencing
resurgence in the world today thanks to the energy performance of this material
throughout the life cycle of building phases of construction, occupancy and
demolition. This strength allows us to consider the earth as a promising material
in the construction sector in the context of sustainable development. Yet, there
remain problems of quantification of the mechanical performance that prevent
people to use this material. This paper is devoted to the study of these problems.
Through numerical modeling of a wall of mud, I propose to optimize the
composition to increase its resistance; the optimization also affects its size. A
nonlinear dynamic behavior of the wall allowed us to study the conditions of its
stability. Reinforcement techniques to improve the seismic capacity of the mud
walls were also discussed.
All these parameters characterize what we have agreed to call a mud wall SANS
(sandblasted, armed, non-stabilized).
Keywords: Sustainable development, mud wall, durability, strength, earthquake,
nonlinear dynamics, numerical modeling

1 Introduction
Non-industrial materials used in civil engineering materials are manufactured and
installed by craftsmen in short production runs. This is typically local materials,
earth, stone, plant fiber with binder etc.. Found on site or near the construction site.
their study and their use has become very promising in the industrialized and the
developing countries for the cause of sustainable development, the second point is
that the structures in non-industrial materials are still very several around the

SANSWALL

27

world and the third reason is will strengthen the fight against natural hazards
including earthquakes.
As an example of scientific approach adapted to non-industrial materials, we
choose to study in this paper a structural element, namely a structural wall made
from clay.
The approach is to quantify the behavior of this material through experimental
tests, and use the results to develop a reliable numerical model representing a wall
of mud.
Therefore, optimizations in the composition of the mud and the geometry of the
wall will be proposed through a static analysis and nonlinear dynamic analysis.
Finally, techniques for building the wall to improve its seismic resistance will be
suggested.
All these improvements will transform a wall of traditional mud in a SANS wall
(sandblasted, armed, non-stabilized).

2 Optimal composition of SANS wall mud

In a modern project of earthen construction in Marrakech (Morocco) [Figure
1], a sample was taken on the land used in the manufacture of adobe. The
superposition of experimental tests with the results of fractal modeling of soil,
will allow us to propose an optimal composition of the mud.

Figure1. Main Facade of earthen construction

2-1 Tests on earthen material:

a Particle size :
This test is to determine the respective quantities of the various grain constituents

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

earth according to their sizes. It is measured by particle size analysis by sieving

[Figure 2] for coarse grains with a diameter greater than 80 to determine the
grading curve characteristic soil studied [Figure 3].

Figure2. Screening Test

Figure3. Grading curve

b Limit of consistency
Soil can have three states of consistency. It can be solid, liquid or plastic.
The plasticity analysis is done on the fine granular fraction, called fine "mortar"
and to determine the change in consistency and its cohesion. The plasticity of a
kind of earth is evaluated by calculating three quantities called Atterberg limits,
which are: the plastic limit wp, the liquid limit wL and the plasticity index Ip.

SANSWALL

29

The results of these parameters related to the studied earth are summarized in
Table 1.

Number of strokes
number tare
Dry total weight g
wet weight total
g
tare weight g
weight water g
Dry soil weight g
Water content W

TABLE1
liquid limit
WL= 56%
18
21
26
T7
T8
T5
28
27
17
21
20
14

34
T25
15
13

T1
10 ,539
10,19

T14
10,758
10,34

8
7
12
58

7
2
5
54

9,031
0,349
1,15
30,1

8,96
0,418
1,38
30,3

9
6
11
57

8
3
5
55

plastic limit
WP= 30,2%

So we deduce from Table plasticity index:

IP=25,8
The water content of the sample: W=2,4%
LCPC classification of the sample gives:
silty sand (SL)
By projecting the plasticity index and liquid limit of the diagram Cohesion found
that the earth is considered highly cohesive.

2-2 Fractal optimization of particle size by addition of sand:

The concept of soil structure is closely related to the aggregate of which the
creation or destruction can be explained by several physicochemical factors.
The observation of the studied soil structure shows that the schematic
representations are most appropriate for the aggregates are: (fig4,5)

Figure 4

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

Figure 5: schematic representation of aggregates

Therefore we will adopt a polygonal surface to represent the solid parts of the sample.
The constructed models of soil are defined by a partition of the exact space into a set of
solid elements and individual pores. for this purpose, a polygonal area of any plane Zo
representing a simulated soil sample is first fragmented into sub-areas polygon disjoint.
For each model the percentage distribution of the surfaces of solids is calculated
according to the sizes of grains linear: figure 6. [1]

Figure 6 a,b,c : numerical fragmentations of soil

SANSWALL

31

By transforming the grading curve of the sample, in a distribution of the

percentages of surfaces, depending on the linear sizes of particles, we find: figure
7

Figure 7: distribution of the percentages of surfaces.

Comparing this distribution with the models presented, the model shows that the
closest is the last one : figure 6 c).
This model is simulated with a fractal structure parameters of production: number
of fragmentation, number of germs and homothetic ratio denoted
(n ; N ; k) = (5 ; 7 ; 0,96) [1]
The porosity of this model is calculated by the formula [1]:

1 k 2 n (1)
We find :

33%

And therefore the compactness

67%

(2)

Which is a very satisfactory value.

Thus, to transform our land into a natural structure similar to the model studied,
we will use sand mined in the region whose surface distribution (Figure 9) derived
from the grading curve (figure 8) is as follows:

Figure 8: grading curve of sand

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

Figure 9: distribution of surfaces of sand

Inspired by the fineness modulus Mf, we propose the following module:

Ms

1
%area size linear 8;16;31,5;63;125; 250;310 (3)
100

And so if :
Ms1 : modulus of the natural earth = 2,55;
Ms2 : correction module sand = 6,09;
Ms : module of the numerical model fractal = 3,74;
Knowing that: Ms1< Ms< Ms2
The proportion in % of the natural soil used in the mud will be:

S1

M s M s2
100 (4)
M s1 M s 2

So 66,2% of natural earth.

And the proportion in% of correction sand to add is:

S2

M s M s1
100 (5)
M s1 M s 2

So 33,8% of correction sand.

With : S1+S2=100% (6)
Increasing the amount of sand may decrease the cohesion of the mixture, to
overcome this difficulty, additives are used, on the other hand, land is considered
highly cohesive from the previous chapter.
Moreover, the size distribution curve obtained must fall within the spindle
proposed by CRATerre : figure 10 [2]

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33

Figure 10 spindle curves CRATerre

2-3 Optimization of dry density of the earth:

The parameters that influence the dry density and will be treated in this paragraph
are: water content, compaction energy and thickness of layers.
Indeed, not only at the microscopic scale of a few micrometers to a few
millimeters, but also to a few centimeters wide, the mud is still a heterogeneous
material. The heterogeneity of the mud comes primarily from the composition of
the constituent material (earth rammed in the case of non-stabilized) as for other
geomaterials. [2]
The heterogeneity of the mud comes next method of manufacture of this material.
First, the clay material is the stack of layers of rammed earth (figure11), therefore,
the adhesion between the layers of earth is not perfect. Second, during compaction
in earth, the upper part of a layer being in contact directly with the hammer is
denser while the lower part is less dense. Third, the heterogeneity is still some
friction with the formwork during compaction. The part of the mud in contact is
less compacted because compaction of the'' energy was dissipated by friction with
the wall forms. [2]

Figure 11: layers of an mud wall

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

According to the study made by [2], plus the thickness of the compacted layers is
smaller, the compressive strength actually increases on samples subjected to a
force uniaxial, a decrease of the thickness of layers about 19% increases the
compressive strength of 60%. However, the time of implementation is increased
and this does not seem preferable compared to budget constraints during
construction on site. [2]
Another important parameter of the material earth is dry density. The compressive
strength of the material earth is proportional to its dry density as shown in Figure
12 below:[2]

Figure 12: compressive strength

On the other hand, the dry density of the material earth in general and the mud
necessarily depend in particular the water content of manufacturing and energy
production Figure13, a method for determining the optimum water content is
testing with a modified Proctor compaction energy of about 2.71KJ/dm3 against
(1.9 KJ/dm3) in case the mud is compacted on site with a dam tire.
The water content of the clay should vary between: 7%<w<12%

Saturation
Figure 13: optimum
Waterproctor
content

curve

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35

2-4 Using additives to the earth: [3]

The physical quality of the earth is its total recyclability. End of life of a building,
it can be crushed and mixed again with water to produce a new material, either
return to earth without a trace. Another of its qualities is its thermal inertia, which
comes from the water trapped between clays. As in the day, transfers
evaporation-condensation corresponds to heat exchange. The earth follows the
same principle as transpiration, which helps us keep a constant temperature when
the outside increases. The variations are clipped. Neither fired brick nor concrete
does possess this quality. Finally, land is a phase change material (PCM) natural!
For PCM manufacturers, paraffin balls are injected: when this wax melts between 23 and 26 C -, the heat exchange increases the overall thermal inertia.
In the case of earth, water naturally contained in the mass evaporates or condenses,
then changes phase, depending on temperature variations, for all these reasons we
propose to add additives in inorganic forms, organic derivatives natural sources or
mineral origin and avoid the addition of cement and lime. This is actually a work
on natural adhesives to replace the water with another "binder", consisting of very
large molecules that can connect several clay particles together, a technique called
bypass. These "spaghetti" microscopic particles bind to several at a time and
adhere more strongly.
The objective is to consolidate the material earth in two steps. Upon
implementation, the clays are dispersed as possible to avoid the formation of
aggregates and porosity that limit the mechanical strength, and to obtain a spatial
organization of clays which maximizes the contact surfaces. Cohesion of the
resulting structure can then be improved by various methods.
Inorganic stabilization (mineral) :
CSH (Calcium silicate hydrates):
The CSH (Calcium silicate hydrates): main hydrates and true (glue) cement are
particularly close to smectiles (swelling clays): nanometer-thick slices with
negative charges in the interlayer space attracting cations.
The pozzolanic reaction, to produce HSCS can be triggered by putting
diatomaceous earth in the presence of lime, it should be noted that this land is
abundant in the Melilla-Nador area and Al Hoceima in Morocco.
Ashes:
Ashes often contain calcium carbonate and may have stabilizing properties. The
ash can be used are produced by burning coal but woody plant materials not
because the ashes of the latter contain too much carbon. However, the ash of
certain plant residues such as rice grains which are high concentrations of silica
can be used.
The ash is normally added in proportions of between 5 and 10% and often allows
improvements in the compressive strength dry, while having less effect on water
resistance, but it can also reduce shrinkage and swelling. The ash can be a little
pozzolanic, so when combined with lime, further improvements are possible. The

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

ash, when added to soils, is also known to act as a repellent against termites.
organic stabilizing:
The problem of this stabilization can be decomposed into three parts: [10] (figure
14)
release and disperse organic matter: The use of excrement, dung, urine and
manure as organic stabilizers can be explained by the fact that the body of the
animal itself accomplishes a significant degradation of organic matter ingested.
disperse clays: use of cellulose derivatives, lignin, starch, or organic acids,
tannins and humic acids.
Tannins
Tannins often act to disperse clay particles so that they coat sand grains in the soil
more evenly and, also help to break up clay lumps during compaction as well as
reducing permeability of the soil and improving water resistance.
organize and link the clay and organic matter: The large family of
polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, pectins, mucilages, gums, or algae, as
well as the large family of proteins such as casein, collagen or gelatin, which have
the ability to form gels in water, and also known as thickening agents and / or
gelling agents, are specifically adapted to enhance the cohesion of earth material.

Figure 14[11]: behavior of the clay according to the acidity of the water

Casein: The (ENTPE Lyon) has conducted spectacular tests studying casein
mixed in a land of the Rhone-Alpes: adding only 1 to 2% casein, she got a
resistance of 10 MPa.
Hydrophobantes molecules (albumin, a glycoprotein present in blood, egg white,
milk) can protect the earth material from the water: they are amphiphilic
molecules, in other words they have a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part.
The hydrophilic parts are adsorbed on the clay particles, on contact with water,
while the hydrophobic portions remain on the surface of the material, in contact
with air, and form a surface film which prevents water from entering the earth.

SANSWALL

37

Vegetable oils and fats:

The best additives of this type are those which dry, thereby harden, quickly and
are insoluble in water. Such additives include coconut, cotton and linseed oil as
well as castor oil which is very expensive. Kapok, palmitic oil and shea butter
have also been tried, but with variable results, so local trials are recommended.
Shea butter can repel termites, and an addition of around 3% is recommended,
although it can also be painted or sprayed on surfaces.
Gum Arabic
This is a product obtained from the acacia tree. It acts primarily as a flocculant,
that is it helps to form flocs of clay particles within the soil which help to increase
dry compressive strength and slow down water absorption, hence reducing
shrinkage. However, it is soluble in water and so offers little protection to
long-term moisture exposure. It is best used inside a building, added at 5 to 10%
proportions.
Palmo copal
Copal is a resin obtained from certain tropical trees. It is usually added at 3 to 8%
concentration to sandy soils. One variety, manilla copal, has waterproofing
qualities..
Sap and latex
The latex of certain trees, such as euphorbia, hevea rubber and concentrated sisal
juice, reduces permeability slightly and improves cohesion. Proportions between 3
and 15% are normally used and best results are achieved with neutral rather than
acidic soils. The juice squeezed from banana leaves, which is subsequently
precipitated by mixing with lime to clean it, is another material which has similar
properties.
molasses
Dehydrated sugar molasses contain aldehydes which can be converted into
polymers at high temperatures with the aid of phenolic catalysts. The resinous
material obtained is similar to asphalt and other resins in its effects. It improves
the strength and reduces permeability. Normally a proportion of about 5% is used.

2-5 Arming the earth:

Arming the earth fiber aims to limit the cracking by dispersing the constraints, and
increase the tensile strength of the material. Another advantage is that it greatly
eases the earth, and makes it more thermally insulating and hasten drying.
The fibers vary in fome, size, strength, elasticity and adhesion to the land, the
improvements vary with different types of fibers, as the quantity of a particular
fiber required. The usual proportions are between 1 and 4% by weight, which is a
bulk volume which can be as high as the volume of soil. [4]
The fibers most commonly used include straw, for example from wheat, rice or
barley. The chaff or pods of these crops can also be used. Other suitable vegetable

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

fibers include hay, hemp and millet, sisal, casuarinas needles, and elephant grass.
The camel dung was also used as additives, as it contains short fibers that make
the soil workable for plastering and rendering. Synthetic fibers such as rosin, steel
or glass wool found very limited application. The best results are obtained with
reinforcing fibers if the wet mixture is prepared several days before use.
A disadvantage of vegetable fiber is variable durability. The dry fibers usually last
a very long time, but when wet they may rot. In addition, some are attacked by
insects, especially termites, but others are not and often local knowledge exist to
identify the most resistant types. [4]
Note that the straw is the most used of all, because it significantly improves the
properties of the earth at low cost. However the use of other plant fibers and
practice is perfectly justified, according to local productions. Animal fibers, such
as pet hair, or synthetic fibers can also be used. Good results are obtained from an
assay to 4% by volume, and amounts of 20 to 30 kg per cubic meter are common.
Studies have also shown that best results are obtained by cutting the straw into
segments of 4 to 6 cm. This technique is mainly used in the manufacture of adobe
and mud, but also suitable for the lair and techniques of compressed earth (or mud
blocks).
It has been demonstrated by the experience:
Jute and straw are effective in improving the ductility of adobe blocks, while
hemp is not. Jute is more effective in improving the ductility and stiffness of
adobe blocks.
Shrinkage cracks in the unreinforced mortar are the main causes of poor seismic
performance. Jute is effective in preventing shrinkage cracks and Figure 15, and it
improves the strength of the mortar and increases bonding. [3]

Figure 15: use of straw to arm the cob

3 Optimization of the dimensions of the wall

To determine the optimal dimensions of a mud wall, two approaches are
adopted:

SANSWALL

39

The first, based on the calculation of applied forces, is a quasi-static analysis of

the behavior of the wall of mud. The second, based on the calculation of wall
displacements under the effect of seismic action, is a nonlinear dynamic analysis,
for which we will use computer software (ANSYS).
We will finally compare the results with the codes of different countries.

3-1 Optimization of the dimensions by calculating forces

In this chapter we begin by calculating the ratio of wall dimensions deduced from
equilibrium equations of the applied forces.
According to the Moroccan RPCT, pending approval: [5]
- Ultimate stress applied N should check the condition of resistance following:

N 0, 6K. c .A (7)

A : wall section
c : compressive strength of the earth wall
K : coefficient as a function of slenderness and eccentricity
So :

n 0, 6 k c (8)

n : normal stress applied

- the bending moment applied M must verify:

M 0, 08 Z u c

(9)
Zu : Module side of the gross section of the wall

Hence

0, 08 Zu c y
I
(10)

t : shear stress applied

We know that in a granular material:

t n tg c

(11)

: friction angle of the earth;

c : cohesion of the soil.
- The eccentricity of the head and foot of the wall must verify:

t I

n t L y

h
0, 05t
450

h : height of the wall;

L : length of the wall.
t: thickness of the wall.

(12)

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

The result is a system of four equations; the unknowns are the three dimensions of the wall.

n 0, 6 k c

t 0, 08 Z u c y

I
tg c

n
t
t I
h

0, 05t

n t L y 450
Is obtained after solving the system:

h
14
t

0, 02
(13)

t
L

(14)

3-2 optimization calculation by nonlinear dynamics

Calculating nonlinear dynamics will be achieved partly with the software ANSYS
calculation, for that first step is to model a wall of mud.
To validate the correlation between the computer model and the actual wall, a
comparison between the results obtained by experimental tests and numerical
calculations will be performed.

3-2-1 Uniaxial compression test and displacement spectrum

of unstabilised rammed earth wall : [2]
The purpose of these tests is to study the mechanical behavior of the wall of mud
by laboratory tests, why approaches on three different scales are adopted,
Figure.16

Figure 16: mud wall

SANSWALL

41

The first is to scale the walls on site. Dynamic measurements were performed on
site to determine the displacement response of the wall as a consequence of the
acceleration.
The wall "L" chosen, has the geometric properties shown in the diagram below
Figure 17:

Figure 17: geometry of the mud wall studied

To determine the natural frequencies of the wall, several shocks were applied in
different directions on the wall and the response was recorded through
accelerometers and a data acquisition system. The position of the sensors on the
wall and the location of the shock are shown schematically in Figure 18 [9]

Figure 18 : location of shocks

The results of displacement response obtained are similar to those performed on

an adobe house built in unstabilized mud Figure 19:

Figure 19: displacement spectrum frequency

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

The second approach is on the scale of a representative volume element (RVE),

samples were manufactured by the same craftsman manufacturer of ramming
mixes on site. The uniaxial compression test perpendicular to the bed which was
conducted shows results below in Figure 20

Figure 20: uniaxial compression test

Finally, with regard to the latter approach, on the microscopic scale, tests were
performed on compressed earth blocks (BTC) equivalents, which can replace the
cob samples to facilitate the procedure of laboratory tests. A homogenization
procedure is set up to find the relation between the compressive strength and
modulus of elasticity of BTC and REV.

SANSWALL

43

3-2-2 Modeling and validation of the wall:

From previous results, related to the physical properties of clay figure21, a wall
was modeled using the ANSYS calculation software with the same dimensions as
the prototype object of testing, the coarse mesh was made, taking into account the
polygonal shape chosen to represent the grains in chapter 2:

Figure 21: ANSYS modelisation of wall

The experimental vertical deformation according to the applied stress is compared

with the maximum plastic deformation vertical calculated with the ANSYS.

Figure 22: vertical deformation

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

It is found that the two curves are almost superimposed.

On the other hand, superimpose on the same graph the curves of elastic and
plastic deformation obtained by ANSYS based on the linear load figure23, the
intersection occurs at the level of strain 10-3, which shows that the plastic
deformations start from this value.

Figure 23: horizontal deformation

However, experience shows as shown in figure24 indeed from this deformation,

the behavior becomes plastic. [2], [9]

Figure 24: plastic deformation

According to the displacement response spectrum of the wall given by ANSYS

figure25, we find that the maximum displacement is 5,66.10-5mm, which is very
close to the value 4,7.10-5mm given by the experimental curve of figure19

SANSWALL

45

Figure 25: directional displacement

These three observations show that the model adopted is quite appropriate to
represent the actual behavior of an mud wall.

3-2-3 Capacity curve and dynamic behavior:

Based on the results obtained by ANSYS software, we plot the capacity curve of
the wall figure26:

Figure 26: capacity curve of mud wall

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

Figure 27: damage suffered by the wall

The yield stresses and resistance are given by the curve figure28:

Figure 28: yield resistance wall

We wish to study the stability of the wall by nonlinear dynamic analysis. The
equation governing the behavior of swing is similar to that of a single localized
mass: [3], [6]

Figure 29: stability model for mud wall

SANSWALL

47

M e a e t Ce t F( e t ) M e a g t (15) The wall is of mud, so we can

not consider the infinitely rigid, and to overcome this difficulty we choose to
model it as two springs in series, whose stiffness k are identical figure30. Below
the modeling for the study of horizontal earthquake. [6]

Figure 30: springs model of wall

The stiffness k of the springs is given by the model of rupture of the wall figure31:
[6]

Figure 31: force displacement relationships

k0

With

6M e g
220,8kNm1
h

and the total stiffness

k

F0
k0 1372,8kNm 1
(17)
e

Thus, two modes of vibration, pulsation of the two modes are given by: [7]

(16)

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

m 2
k
2

m 2
2k
2

0 (18)

By solving the system found : [7]

k
12 0, 764 114(19)
m
k
22 5, 24 781,89(20)
m
We deduce the period, frequency and eigenvectors of each mode (Table2) [7]
TABLE2
Mode
T (sec)
f (Hz)

u1

1
0,58
1,69
1,17

2
0,22
4,45
-0,171

u2
With damping = 2%, we find the pseudo acceleration:[8]
1 0,15 g

2 0,175 g
And we deduce the horizontal accelerations of the masses :[7]
1,17 0,175 g
0,15 g

0, 724 0,1g
0,171 0, 03 g
0,175 g

0, 277 0, 05 g

The relative displacements, for a given mode are measured by dividing the
acceleration by the square of the pulsation Table 3: [7]

TABLE3
Mode
u1
u2

horizontal displacement (mm)

1
2
15mm
0,89mm
1,25mm
1,49mm

For the first method we find that the movements are excessive.
The potential energy E for each mode table 4 can be calculated by the formula: [7]
1
E U t KU (21)
2

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49

TABLE4

Mode
Energy
%

1
0,107
100%

2
0,00062
0,57%

We see that mode 1 is clearly dominant and can only be preserved in practice.
The results are then compared to the eigenmodes given by the software ANSYS
figure32 and Table 5

0,175g

-0,03g

(15mm)
0,1g
(1,25mm)

(0,89mm)
0,05g
(1,49mm)

Figure 32: modal displacements

TABLE5

Method
Mode
Displacement
Frequency

Manual
calculation
1
2
15mm
1,49mm
1,69Hz
4,45Hz

ANSYS
1
24,3mm
9,23Hz

2
32mm
16,35Hz

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

According to the method of dynamic analysis reveals that the displacement of the
wall is excessive and it increases with decreasing the square of its pulse.
From equation (7) we deduce a condition on the wall height h
So to reduce wall displacement we just check:
2h2
58,86h 3390,33 0
(26)
0, 764
And therefore for values 0, 25s T 0,65s
2
And pulse 93 631
We deduce that h must be between:
2,05m h 5,5m
In comparison with the computer codes in different countries: [6]

4 Technical implementation and reinforcement of the wall:

In this section we will study the possibilities of building mud walls from the
current knowledge of earthquake of earth construction and most studies are
performed on adobes. After watching the current state of knowledge of earthquake
of earth construction, solutions building adobe walls are proposed. These
reinforcements are important and will serve to strengthen existing homes or apply
for new homes.

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51

4-1 "Arm" the mud walls: [2]

Walker and Morris [2] propose the use of steel reinforcement for reinforcing mud
walls. The density and arrangement of reinforcement depends on the seismic zone
is located or the building. The Figure33 shows an example of this type of
reinforcement. This type of reinforcement is not recommended by other studies.
This technique of seismic strengthening is proposed by the standard of New
Zealand.

Figure 33: steel

reinforcement

4-2 Reinforcement of flexible screens outside the wall: [2]

Several studies have tried this type of reinforcement (Blondet and Aguilar, Tolles
et al.) Adobe houses on small scales to real scale. These homes are tested on the
shake table. The Figure34 shows an example of a house tested in the study of
Aguilar and Blondet. Movements of a real earthquake are simulated the vibration
table. Results show that although there is damage, houses reinforced polymers in
these screens can prevent a total breakdown. This technique has improved the
seismic capacity of these adobe houses. However, the disadvantage of this
technique is the increased cost of construction (and the roasting time of
installation). Studies of the effectiveness of this type of seismic strengthening of
the adobe walls and the economic problem are needed.

Figure 34: adobe house with mesh

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

4-3 vertical ties:

Minke [2] encourages the use of vertical reinforcing bars but against, it
discourages the placement of the horizontal bars in the adobe walls. The reason is
that the shear force can not be transferred by bars since cohesion between them
and the earth is very low. Thus, horizontal reinforcing elements weaken the
structure and cause horizontal cracks. In addition, in practice it is difficult to
ensure proper grooming with the presence of these horizontal elements.

Figure 35: vertical reinforcing

Vertical bars are made of bamboo or steel. Figure35 illustrates the application of
vertical ties in the mud walls.
The technique of vertical ties inside the wall was applied to the adobe walls
stabilized in studies of Hamilton and al. Morris and Walker, with the use of
prestressed steel tie rods. These rods are placed in the tubes placed in the
formwork ties to protect against corrosion by moisture from the land of mud.
These ties are introduced preload after ramming the wall. The use of prestressing
can decrease the amount of the tie rods necessary, with respect to the normal
technical tie rods. This reduces not only the work of the location of reinforcement
but also facilitates the grooming of mud. With prestressed anchors, for each wall,
there would need 2 rods at both ends of the wall to support the seismic force
"plan" of the wall and pulling the middle of the wall to support the seismic force
"off plan" the wall. This technique is quite applicable to the adobe walls and
opens a new way of building adobe houses new or existing by its efficiency and
simplicity of design compared to other techniques presented in previous sections.
Further studies on this technique remain to be implemented.

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53

4-4 Implementation: [2]

The current forms are wider than conventional forms for rapid manufacturing on
site. They are also more rigid to support the damage the height of the pneumatic
dame (currently they are usually metal)

Figure 36: manufacturing wall

Prefabrication has also increased. Figures 36 and 37 show the manufacture of

factory built ramming mixes, transportation and implementation.

Figure 37: prefabrication wall

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M. A. El Azreq et al.

5 Conclusion
Through this article, we try to make a modest contribution in the development of
earth construction, while trying to preserve one of the main assets, namely
sustainable development. To this end we propose a mud wall composed entirely
of natural materials and recyclable, the wall of mud SANS.
The first optimization, on the composition of mud, is derived from a fractal model
of soil built by computer, and the stabilization of the soil with organic and
inorganic elements.
Regarding the optimization of the geometry of the wall, this paper presented a
dynamic approach in parallel with a static "classical" to measure the ratios of
these dimensions. Dynamic analysis was performed using the software ANSYS
nonlinear calculation, where model of the wall was validated by comparing results
with experimental tests.
Finally a summary of existing solutions building mud houses was achieved.
Solutions suitable for mud walls have been proposed as the use of vertical ties
inside or outside the mesh wall.
The results of this study and studies in the literature show that the construction of
earthquake-resistant earthen houses is possible. The problem is the optimum
choice of several criteria: technical, economic and cultural.

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SANSWALL

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Received: October, 2012

M. A. El Azreq et al.