Exploratory study of rammed earth walls under static element test. (10th January 2021) - Wangmo, Phuntsho
Highlights: Test campaign to study compressive and shear strengths. Mesh–wrap strengthening technique is proposed for existing structure. The use of mesh-wrap strengthening technique improves strength and energy absorption. There is a good agreement between test results and developed FE models. Abstract: This paper reports on the series of element tests conducted on rammed earth (RE) wallettes to understand their behavior under compression and shear loading while exploring the mesh-wrap strengthening technique to strengthen the RE wallete. Compressive strength and shear strength of RE wallettes are evaluated with varying parameters, namely RE layer thickness and drying periods. The influence of vertical stress on the shear strength of RE wallete is also assessed. Some essential mechanical parameters like elastic modulus, cohesion, and friction angle, are derived and discussed. Finite element models have been developed to simulate and support the experimental results.