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Technological Innovation and Patents –
Edmonton Valley Zoo, © Russell Seeley
Increasing Compressive Strength to Weather the Storm
One key thing that determines the viability of rammed earth is its compressive strength. Compressive strength is what ensures resilience to freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycling. It also informs engineers how tall the building can be constructed and how thick the walls need to be. Compressive strength dictates when (and if) loads can be applied, which then determine building schedules. Also important for sustainability over generations – compressive strength determines how long the building will last.
Recent improvements in rammed earth (RE) compressive strength over both Traditional RE (1 MPa) and Stabilized RE (6 MPa) now make it possible to use RE in ways previously thought impossible. For example, our current project in Wyoming has 51' tall loadbearing SIREWALLS. Recently, our team also had a 3-day break at 27.9 MPa (4,046 psi) while constructing a SIREWALL in southern France. For the client, Foster & Partners, their project manager was very excited about that number since this will reduce the building schedule by three weeks.
Outside of the SIREWALL world, there seems to be a lack of interest among rammed earth builders to reap the benefits of increased compressive strength. Most rammed earth builders do not even take time for the most basic soil analysis, relying instead on visual and tactile testing. Some rely on a percentage of sand combined with a percentage of gravel. Others rely on fineness modulus alone. In our experience, these short cut techniques only work in select locations with accommodating geology. Often, those few builders that do compressive testing prior to building are using the "guess-n-test" methodology, without benchmarks and proven standards.
The team at SIREWALL has conducted research around the globe and collaborated with the University of British Columbia to arrive at their best-in-the-world soil blending technology. The results have been worth it. Our walls are consistently and reliably tested at over 20MPa (3,000psi) with less than 10% cement in the blend. In fact, one sample was sent back from the lab because they could not break it! Strength is enormously important to engineers and architects, and at SIREWALL, we are proud to expand what’s possible, allowing for new design expressions.
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A Patented Approach Like No Other Rammed Earth
Meror Krayenhoff started building with rammed earth in 1992. He later founded SIREWALL to position his proprietary stabilized, insulated rammed earth technology to stand out from other approaches to building with earth. At that time, rammed earth was often constructed without rebar, which strengthens walls dramatically; with formwork that requires through-ties; and without insulation, which increases static and dynamic R-values substantially. A high performance SIREWALL is constructed with a system backed by over 20 years of R&D, producing thermal mass and efficiency beyond any other wall system.
We are pleased to announce that patents for the SIREWALL System have been completed and issued in Canada, the USA, New Zealand, and in the near future, Australia. The patented invention includes a formwork system and a method of using the formwork to construct rammed earth walls. For more information, see the Patent details from the Patent Office in the country of interest. SIREWALL System Patent Reference.
Since the SIREWALL team has continually updated its standards and design specifications, superior strength and performance has been shown when measuring compressive strength, static and dynamic R-values, erosion resistance and performance for some of the largest and tallest commercial installations in the world. Learn more about the SIREWALL System and how it compares to other types of rammed earth.
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Globetrotting: SIREWALL Project Highlights –
The SIREWALL team has been travelling the globe to consult on and build a range of rammed earth projects. Here are some of features from recent projects …
Commercial Project Consulting
Will SIREWALL technology work in a specific new location? Is the local soil capable of producing the strengths necessary for the project? Can the architectural intent be achieved with SIREWALL? Will the engineers be able to work with this system and will the local building inspector approve of the use of SIREWALL? Can the local tradespeople work easily with this technology? How do I ensure a good outcome for the SIREWALL portion of the project? Questions like these are addressed in our consulting services, which are delivered in 3 phases. Recent consulting projects are highlighted below.
Southeast Wyoming Welcome Centre © m.azzarello
Southeast Wyoming Welcome Centre, Cheyenne, Wyoming USA
The 26,500 square foot building is built with colourful SIREWALL, layered with an array of hues native to the surrounding landscape. Designed by Anderson Mason Dale Architects, it is located just inside the Wyoming border as travellers head north from Denver on Interstate 25. The rammed earth is multi-coloured in vertical elements called "stones". Each stone is unique, with many stones side by side giving the walls a truly stunning finish with continuous reinforcement from stone to stone. Soils for the walls were sourced from a location 30 minutes west of the build site. Compressive strengths of over 30 MPa (~4,500psi) were achieved using less than 10% cement. The dynamic R-value of the SIREWALL is over R50! The thermal performance is important for this climate, where temperatures can dip below -35 F. Learn more about this extensive structure from Anderson Mason Dale Architects and take a look at this photo gallery from Inhabitat.
Musée de la Romanité Narbonne, Montpellier, France
Working with UK-based Foster & Partners, the SIREWALL team consulted on Phase 1, Feasibility and Phase 2, Design Ready and Build Ready, toward the construction of a museum in Southern France. The Musée de la Romanité will be a new landmark at the entrance to the city, on a site adjacent to the Canal de la Robine. The landscaping reinforces the connection with the water to create a tranquil natural setting. The museum will house a collection of more than 1,000 ancient stone relief funerary blocks excavated from the area, once a thriving Roman port. Take a look at the striking architectural drawings for the project here. Foster & Partners are the 10th largest architectural firm in the world and the #1 most admired and we are thrilled to have collaborated and consulted with them on this landmark project.
Corporate Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Arcop Private Limited recently retained Meror Krayenhoff for Phase 1: Feasibility consulting to scope a 25,000-m2 corporate headquarters being constructed in Islamabad, Pakistan. See photos of the colourful SIREWALL test walls here. The Montreal-based firm, founded in 1970, is also working with the Aga Khan Foundation to construct a hospital in Afghanistan. Terra Firma Builders gifted some tampers to the Foundation to support this important project.
SAIP, Portugal
In the interior of Portugal, near the Spanish border, a new lake was created as a result of a dam for hydroelectric power. At the edge of this lake, a large resort is planned. It will include lodgings, golf course, restaurants, an observatory, marina, and a small village. SIREWALLS were tested for the construction of the village.
Xi'an Hotel, Central China
Nestled into the hills just outside of town, this proposed 6 story SIREWALL hotel, does not look like most buildings. The structure is hidden and buried inside the small mountain behind it. Using exterior and interior SIREWALLS creates the illusion that the hotel has been carved from the mountain. Experimentation with texture and colour to create the illusion were part of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study.
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