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Klappentext This handbook provides practical help in choosing whether and how to build with earth, from soil selection through to construction and maintenance. The techniques described in the second edition--revised and updated--of this book have a focus on achieving good quality results with accessible methods, that can go on being used by rich and poor, and for simple buildings as well as the more sophisticated. Inhaltsverzeichnis Part 1 Introduction: how this handbook might help you; terminology. Part 2 General considerations: what earth is; strength and weakness; climatic performance and comfort; earthquake resistance; choosing whether and how to build with earth. Part 3 Choosing a suitable soil: soil composition; particle characteristics; laterites; expansive soils; soil analysis; initial sensory observations; field tests; field laboratory tests. Part 4 How to determine and improve quality: standards; visual assessment; compressive strength; bending strength or 'modulus of rupture'; resistance to water erosion; moisture absorption; soil improvement. Part 5 Wall construction: combination walls; load-bearing walls. Part 6 Roofs: self-supporting earth vaults built on shuttering; vaults and domes without formwork; flat and pitched roofs; short span earth components between supporting beams; reinforced earth roofs. Part 7 Foundations and floors. Part 8 Protection: preliminary considerations renders; caring for your building. Part 9 Openings! joinery! finishes and furniture! electricity and plumbing.
About the author
Informed by over a quarter of a century of experience of working the field with the Development Workshop, John Norton's clear statements of intention, step-by-step descrip-tions of practice, and lucid explanations of tech-nical data make this an invaluable, readable handbook of manageable length and dimen-sions which provides a reliable basis for new housing with the most accessible of means.
