Current Developments and Future Needs for Natural Earth Construction: A State-of-the-Art Review

A more sustainable and conscientious world desires to go back in time to use environmentally friendly construction materials, earthen materials. However, the simplicity of such materials has not yet been properly addressed in either academic or field research; at the same time natural earth construction is far from mature. In this scenario, we summarize the development of natural earth construction during the last few years. Recent publications including a number of books and journals on natural building are reviewed, while emphasizing the impacts of field research. Controversies and gaps in understanding are identified, and we discuss the advances of these modern ideas through the years. Topics include a review of natural earth building; materials selection; property evaluation; academic and field studies; and a state-of-the-art review on current developments (Adobe, Compressed earth blocks, Cob, Rammed earth, Earthbag construction, Earth floors, and Earth wall finishes). Recent developments in standards for earthen building materials are also reviewed. This chapter concludes with perspectives and future needs in natural earth construction, those which may have significant impacts on the advancing field.

Keywords: Earth construction, sustainable building, stabilized earth, compressed earth block, rammed earth, natural building material.