Characterization of the mechanical and physical properties of stabilized rammed earth: A review

Rammed earth is a traditional construction technique that is attracting the interest of the building sector due to its limited cost and very low environmental impact. The use of rammed earth in modern construction, however, often requires an improvement of its properties in order to reach the performance levels fixed by the diverse national and international standards; so rammed earth is frequently improved by the use of different types of additives and stabilizers that, on the other hand, may reduce its environmental and economic benefits. The present study analyzes the alternatives available to enhance rammed earth behavior by reviewing how the existing scientific studies have tried to improve the most relevant mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties.