Patent ID: 7033116
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
1. A method of erecting a rammed earth structural element having improved load bearing capabilities, comprising the steps of: laying a footing; arranging a pair of forms substantially vertically on the footing, the forms being placed in spaced-apart relation to define a form space there-between; orienting at least one tension rod vertically in the form space and anchoring a lower end of the tension rod to the footing; disposing earthen mixture into the form space to a predetermined height and compacting the earthen mixture in a first course; disposing additional earthen mixture into the form space, and upon the first course, to another predetermined height and compacting the earthen mixture in a second course; repeating the immediately preceding step a number of times to lay up a wall of compacted earthen mixture; placing a beam upon a top of the compacted earthen wall with the at least one tension rod having an upper end extending vertically through the top of the beam; and generating tension in the at least one tension rod thereby to compress the compacted earthen wall between the beam and the footing.