McNabb, Kayleigh (2024) Analysing Rammed Earth Walls as an Equivalent Construction Type for Residential Footing Design. [USQ Project]
Abstract
This thesis aims to investigate the effects of foundation movement on rammed earth walls by analysing past projects and providing modelling of rammed earth walls in comparison with full masonry walls. The outcome was to confirm if designing a footing for a rammed earth wall in accordance with AS2870, the residential footing and slab code, is sufficient to provide a structurally sound result. The potential benefit of this research is to provide a higher degree of confidence for structural engineers when designing the footings for rammed earth walls.
The project methodology involved analysing the performance of existing rammed earth walls on footings that had been designed in accordance with AS2870 (Standards Australia, 2011), the residential footing and slab code. It also involved modelling both a full masonry wall, and a rammed earth wall on an isolated strip footing, and then subjecting the footings foundational effects to analyse the stresses in each wall type.
During the experimental site investigations, cracking was generally visible between the compaction layers of the rammed earth. In some structures, cracking was found where control joints weren’t feasible due to the locations of openings. The numerical modelling found that stabilised rammed earth (SRE) performs in a similar manner to full masonry walls, however exhibits less tensile forces in the wall when subjected to foundation movement which is further explored throughout this report.
In conclusion, it was determined that the footing and slab systems designed for these structures were performing adequately and in accordance with the serviceability requirements as detailed in AS2870 (Standards Australia, 2011). This project will provide greater confidence to structural engineers, when designing footings for rammed earth walls in residential structures.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Nguyen, Andy |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Mar 2026 22:52 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Mar 2026 22:52 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | foundation; movement; masonry walls; earth walls |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53143 |
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