Test and device to evaluate the capillary absorption in soil specimens of adobe and rammed earth

SILVIA AUGUSTA CIRVINI; GÓMEZ VOLTAN, JOSÉ

REVISTA TéCNICA DE LA FACULTAD DE INGENIERíA UNIVERSIDAD DEL ZULIA

UNIV ZULIA

Lugar: Bogotá; Año: 2014 vol. 37 p. 3 - 10

0254-0770

The moisture degree of capillary rise is an indicator of the state of conservation of earthen construction and their mechanical response to load cases, especially seismic action, since the buildings diminish resistant capacity where they are more demanding by the base shear. This paper shows a test procedure and a specific device to evaluate the rate of rise and variation of moisture content in samples of soil for use in new or existing walls of adobe and tapia. These parameters allow evaluating the suitability of building material, the improvements efficiency to increase its quality (modification of its texture, compactness, and composition), choice and dosage of additives for moisture control. In addition, in case of patrimonial buildings affected by rising damp, allows to design and to prove procedures for structural rehabilitation, and using them in the building after evaluating his efficiency and scope. Keywords: device absorption test, water absorption test, adobe, rammed earth, soil, capillary rise.