Determination of water absorption coefficient of unfired earth materials different in used clay and ratio of components

Abstract

The paper is focused on unfired rammed earth and its water absorption properties. Increasing the utilization of raw natural materials can be one of the approaches towards sustainable development. Different prescriptions were designed and specimens were rammed. Then they were put in the covering of nylon and settled in the box with soft foam that was moistened. The level of moistening was constant. The specimens were regularly weighted. Specimens with montmorillonite clay have the highest values of the water absorption coefficient. Montmorillonite clay has a higher binding capacity. The values are compared to values that were found in the literature. Then the maximal capillary water capacity by area was determined.