1. H. Y. SATO⁽¹⁾ and R. M. L. R. F. BRASIL⁽²⁾

 ⁽¹⁾ Master of Civil Engineering, Department of Structural Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-010, Brazil, marciahsato@yahoo.com.br 

⁽²⁾ Doctor of Civil Engineering, Full Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Federal University of ABC,CECS, Santo Andre, 09210-580, Brazil, reyolando.brasil@ufabc.edu.br

ABSTRACT

This paper is a contribution to establishing a basis for the numerical analysis of traditional Brazilian rammed earth masonry structures. This material, basically earth obtained at the construction site, is a sustainable form of construction, using minimum energy consumption as compared to conventional concrete and steel structures. The main goal of this paper is to establish the mechanical characteristics of this material and confirm an analysis basis for this kind of structure. First, a brief description of the material selection and construction techniques is presented in order to obtain the necessary parameters for the numerical analysis itself. Second, a commercial Finite Element Method code is applied, using a tri dimensional solid model considering rammed earth masonry as a continuous medium. Based on these analyses, it can be noted that “quite” slender structural walls made of rammed earth are possible, without reaching unduly high values of compression and tension stresses, as well as maintaining very low strains.

KEYWORDS: Rammed earth masonry, numerical analysis, traditional construction.