Studying Rammed Earth
When one uses rammed earth building construction, they employ an ancient method of creating buildings that have been of interest in modern times. Rammed earth construction uses slightly damp chalk, lime or gravel. A layer of 4 to 10 inches of the building material is laid in a form and then pounded heavily to about 50% of the original depth, creating a very sturdy structure.
This week Throwback Thursday honors Henry H. DeLong (1905-1988) and his contributions to the extensive study of rammed earth buildings that occurred at 日本av视频. DeLong, along with Ralph Patty, worked with method. The interest came in the form of poultry units. Farm birds, specifically chickens and turkeys, were susceptible to pneumonia, so producers explored various construction materials. Wood was found to be too cold, and cement didn鈥檛 allow the air to flow enough, creating a damp environment. However, rammed earth walls researched by DeLong and Patty were found to be very successful in keeping poultry healthy.
In the photograph, DeLong runs his hand over a rammed earth wall. The only rammed earth building and walls that remain from DeLong and Patty鈥檚 work exist on the 日本av视频 campus.
2013:038:096 SDAHM Collection, donated by Max DeLong
