Rammed Earth Wall - Oman

The students of Higher College of Technology Muscat are carrying out research in earth-based building techniques under the guidance of Prof Muna Al Farsi and Ar. Shobitha Jacob. Eng Khamis Al souli representing the Society of Engineers has very kindly supported this venture from its inception. Earth based buildings have been traditionally used for construction in Oman and neighbouring regions. However, with the advent of cement and concrete, the use of earth techniques for construction that was traditionally practiced in Oman has been neglected. Higher College of Technology is carrying out research to revive the traditional art of construction using modern techniques that will be an alternative method for building and thereby helping the Sultanate save gas and reduce pollution.

Although Global Industrialization has limited the continuity of vernacular architecture based on local material and skill; today there is a renewed interest among a few architects and enthusiasts to revive the traditional know-how for sustainable methods of construction. Sustainability is a challenging and pressing issue these days. Building with raw-earth is one of the most sustainable construction techniques since it is a natural resource, locally available and can be recycled.

Moreover, building with earth can redefine how buildings are built in arid regions with extremely high temperatures because of their high thermal capacity which enable them to store and re-radiate heat thereby reducing energy consumption and air-conditioning. Earth-based buildings are able to trap in air and water thereby increasing the heat retention of the walls which allows the inside spaces of a building to remain cool during the day. This is a technique very similar to the clay pots used in Oman for water cooling. In Oman, around 57% of the energy consumed by residents is for cooling purpose. Therefore, a reduction in cooling requirement will result in significant energy conservation. 

Higher College of Technology will be conducting further research to assess the performance of these constructions and study the suitability of material available in Oman. This research makes way for continuing the art of traditional construction with modern techniques.

fixing the shuttering

Compressive strength testing of the rammed earth wall  - achieved 23N/sq mm