Experimenting with light-earth: what are the potential of this constructive technique?

Abstract

Buildings with raw earth have a long tradition and wide application in several countries. However, the high density of many of the more common techniques can be disadvantageous. This article intends to discuss experiments carried out using the light earth technique, a mixture of earth (or lime), natural fibers and water, with final densities equal to or less than 800 kg/m³. The methodology used for the research was that of experimentation with various traces of earth and lime, natural fibers and water, this practical process was based on the experience of the team members and in the bibliographies, MINKE (2022), NITZKIN (2016) and VOLHARD (2016), which helped in the procedures of the experiments and in the understanding of the potentialities and possible applications. It is concluded that building systems with light earth have the potential to mitigate some of the disadvantageous characteristics of building with raw earth, mainly with regard to the decrease in density.