EarthWall is a combination of structural rammed earth and post-tensioning rods anchored to a concrete foot, which allows the wall to receive lateral weight as well as withstand wind and earthquakes. The earthen mixture, developed by architect Tom Ward, is made up of 10 percent on-site soil, 80 percent locally sourced gravel byproduct, and 10 percent cement. While the post-tensioning system is made of steel, EarthWall uses less of this material than traditional grid systems. The rods, retaining plates, and nuts can all be reused, leaving only the bond beam and footing as waste.
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Cheap, mismatched, or untested hardware can undermine fire safety, accessibility, and durability in residential buildings. Experts from Hager explain what architects should watch for when specifying.