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January - February 2009
The first tyres were laid on heavily compacted/tamped soil. Each tyre was leveled in height to the top height of each tyre. Since some tyres were taller than others, we simply dug some of the first large 16 size tyres deeper than others. These tyres were then filled and rammed according to the method shown in the earthship biotecture manual. More information on tyre ramming is coming soon.
January 26th 2009
To ensure that the level of the tyres is the same around the entire area we have placed a string around the entire perimeter at the same height. This was created using a long rubber transparent hose
filled with water. It is possible to check the height of both ends are the same over any distance by measuring the height of the water from the top of the tube. When the height of the water is the same from both ends the height is the same. This approach was also used to mark the entire floor area with cement lumps that protruded to the same height.
The height of the tyres was adjusted according to height of the string. The exact height was determined by placing a straight metal bar with a leveling meter on top. The metal bar should just touch the string and the air bubble should be centered.
The entire first two courses were then cemented for water proofing. Note that the tyres sit directly on the soil. We dug a 2 foot deep trench around the entire building and filled it with concrete.
Behind the concrete was a tar sheet and plastic sheet for water protection at ground level. Two weeks later we had a nicely sealed base to build the rest of the wall on.
February 18th 2009.
Onwards and upwards
February 22nd 2009
Now that we have the first four courses I decided to start filling the voids between the tyres. We used ground soil mixed with water only. Our soil has high clay and sand content, so this was pretty easy. The soil sticks like glue and dries quickly in the warm sunny days. We will not do any scratch coat or final plastering until the entire wall is ready. Any cracking or breaking of this gap filling is not a problem and can be easily remedied at a later stage. With our water levels running low it seemed worthwhile to being this whilst we can! This is a fun stage that anyone can do.
We have used stones and mud to fill the voids in. It is possible to use almost anything in these voids to fill space. The common materials are metal cans and plastic bottles mixed in with the mud .However, India being India, we have tonnes of stones and soil and no metal cans available.
Everyone finds their own technique for ramming and void filling. Sticks, stones and just about anything can be used to help get all that dirt in there nice and firmly.
4 year olds can make a worthy contribution to all the mud work.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MARCH 2009
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