Rammed Earth Formwork

Historic formwork

Historic rammed earth formwork uses timber sides, held together with vertical timbers conneted to horizontal timbers running through the wall. This formwork system is remarkably similar across the world, with very similar designs found in Nepal and Morocco.

At some sites stones are placed above the horizontal timbers, to allow their removal. Modern vernacular formwork is very simlar to that seen in historic manuscripts, such as shown below.

Rammed earth formwork

Traditional rammed earth formwork in Morocco

Related publications

I have published a number of articles relating to historic rammed earth formwork, including my thesis.

Jaquin, P. A. Analysis of historic rammed earth construction. Durham University, 2008

Details available here.

Jaquin, P. A. Study of historic rammed earth structures in Spain and India. The Structural Engineer,

  (1.52MB) Study of historic rammed earth structures in Spain and India

Jaquin, P.A. Augarde, C.E. Gerrard, C.M. Historic rammed earth distribution. International Journal of Architectural Heritage

Jaquin, P.A., Augarde, C. E. and Gerrard, C.M. Historic Rammed Earth Structures in Spain. International Symposium on Earthen Structures, Bangalore, August 2007

  (1.40MB)  Historic Rammed Earth Structures in Spain

Modern formwork

Modern rammed earth formwork can be custom made, or similar concrete formwork can be used. In the UK, to mitigate against shrinkage, vertical timbers are placed every few metres to provide contraction joints. This formwork, used at Aykley Heads in Durham was built to full height on one side, then the other side added as the height of the wall increased.

Modern rammed earth formwork, Aykley Heads, Durham

Modern rammed earth construction in California. Courtesy of David Easton