As part of the Marfa Library of Landscape project, the team took on the challenge of creating a scale model of a rammed earth wall. Several test samples of rammed earth were created using different types of soil, water and rockite concentrations to develop a mixture that would support itself and a scale roof structure. The process closely imitated the construction process of a rammed earth wall.
Model by Olivia Birritteri, Chase Halter, and Emily Potenza
Three test samples to the right utilize a ratio of 90% soil and 10% rockite powder. The center sample mixture was used for the final model.
Left: Sandy soil, some water, and rockite
Center: Moist top soil and rockite
Right: Moist top soil (with additional water) and rockite
Soil is sifted to remove rocks and organic material.
Cast rockite footing
Samples were made by clamping 2x4s together to create a form-work that could be easily used several times.
Initial Test Samples. The sample to the left had too little water and was too brittle. The topsoil sample on the right had enough moisture evenly dispersed to create a reaction with the rockite powder.
Form-work for the final model.
Creating the soil and rockite mixture.
Reveal of the rammed earth model.
Remnants of the form-work show the layers of rammed earth as well as where the scale bond beam was cast on top.