Rammed Earth Trial
Learning how to do it yourself...
As with much of our life now, we try to ‘live the journey’ more than ‘fulfil a goal’. With young children (6 and counting!) we find it imperative for them that they do not suffer for our agenda.
Unfortunately I personally have been like this a lot of my life – I was driven, focussed, obsessed and well, a workaholic. Thankfully now things are much different – so the first Rammed Earth we tried was for the kids!
To set the scene - I had volunteered for a few days at a church that was using rammed earth for some of it’s secondary walls. I knew a little about the process, but very little.
We set off in this old 8 ton truck (purchased for a steal – but not without it’s ‘issues’!) to pick up our first batch of 19mm crushed limestone. A few old forms would suffice for the sides of the flatbed truck. (Picture – ‘Uncle C’ helping put a new manifold on!)
We needed a way to test what we were going to do – something that wouldn’t be seen! As it turns out, a few months before we had found a very large trampoline in the newspaper for free. We had to dig it out and dismantle part of it – though managed to get it on the roof of the Troopy (Landcruiser) it was ideal!
As rough and hap-hazard as this was, the results encouraged and excited us no end.
In just a few days we had made a full retained wall that would last years of heavy use! The finished trampoline actually looked a lot neater than I hoped for and is well and truly strong enough…
We simply dyna-bolted brackets to the top of the wall to hold the trampoline down.
Finished trampoline: – just needs some grass!
Notes: For details of mixing, ratios etc see other posts on Rammed Earth
Mixed with a skid steer loader (affectionately known as ‘Bob’)
Shovelled in by (many small) hands – below some good friends came to join in!
Conclusion: There are simple, common practises old that still work and can be highly effective today…and God can help you use whatever He provides!
PRAYER: Lord, thankYou for Your provision. May we always trust in the One who provides things for us to use, not in the things themselves. Thank You that You can even use us for amazing outcomes!
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Filling in the 'pit' that was used for clean sand
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Starting to retain the Carport / Patio area
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Starting the footings - of course the truck HAD to get bogged on the way IN!
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Good lil helper!
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Ramming where the steps will be..
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An unexpected fire 🔥 that God REALLY proetcted us from - took out a few things including our trailer and part of the compressor.
We run a small business to sell the products that we find helpful, please consider having a look!
Solar Cooking - the Sun Oven
Stainless Water Bottles - EcoTankas
Health and Various - BonzaBuy!
© 2018 Adam & Sharmini