New paradigms for earth constructions technologies: Sustainability and control of the construction process

The paper presents part of the international research, between Italy and Morocco, on the earth constructions technologies. Although history demonstrates many applications there isn’t a large use nowadays. The aim of this study is therefore to understand why such promising material today is not widely used and applied only for niche situations. Through the analysis of earth construction technologies from those linked to tradition to more contemporary ones, it was possible to understand how the material was adapted locally to different building needs according to the climatic context and the available resources. In addition, the international regulatory framework is also analyzed, in order to understand the current level of development of regulations for the use of earth-based technologies. Morocco is a country with a deep and widespread knowledge of earthen construction, and the contemporary construction regulatory framework provides for its use. Through a Moroccan case study, it was possible to experiment the use of rammed earth masonry as infill, respecting contemporary construction standards. In addition, the application of BIM modeling was tested, in order to make this construction technique meet the requirements of the contemporary building process, making it faster, controlled in terms of performance and economically advantageous. The results of research, including the preparation of an abacus of the earth walls used with 123 elements and the related 17 characteristic information, for a total of 8000 m3 of earth, demonstrate the ability of this traditional building system to be managed and controlled in a contemporary way.