WO2024013580A1

WO2024013580A1 - Earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure

Info

Publication number: WO2024013580A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ahmadali NAMDARIAN; Somayeh KHANI; Mostafa BEHZADFAR
Original assignee: Namdarian Ahmadali; Khani Somayeh; Behzadfar Mostafa
Priority date: 2022-07-13
Filing date: 2023-06-06
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure includes an armed scaffold located inside a rammed earth wall. The armed scaffold includes a foundation at the bottom, a bond beam at the top, two concrete columns at two respective corners extending from the foundation to the bond beam, a mesh network with a zigzag arrangement continuously extending from the foundation to the bond beam, a strand of barbed wire perpendicularly woven into the mesh network, a plurality of parallel vertical rebars extending from the foundation to the bond beam, a plurality of parallel horizontal rebars extending between the two concrete columns, a plurality of U-shaped fasteners fastening the plurality of vertical rebars, the plurality of horizontal rebars, and the mesh network together, and a plurality of transverse connectors transversely interlocking the rammed earth wall and the armed scaffold.

Description

EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE

TECHNICAE FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to rammed earth structures, and particularly to reinforced rammed earth structures against earthquakes and a method to construct such strengthened rammed earth structures thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Rammed earth is a technique that includes a moist mixture of soil with certain ratios of sand, gravel, clay, and silt and stabilizers like lime, cement, or asphalt compacted between two wooden plates as a formwork. This formwork includes two parallel plates that are locked and bracketed well together at a distance about 20 to 35 centimeters. A soil mixture is poured between these two plates and compacted up to 50% of its initial height. Recently, rammed earth has been taken into consideration again due to sustainable development issues and many other advantages that rammed earth has. In this regard, many countries have updated their construction regulations to use rammed earth including Australia, New Zealand, the US (New Mexico), Zimbabwe, Germany, and Spain. It seems that rammed earth can be a suggestion for the future of architecture.

[0003] However, during the last few centuries, there is concern that soil is not a resistant material for construction. One of the important concerns about the use of rammed earth technique is resistance of rammed earth structures against earthquake force. Although Soil has good compressive strength, but it has low resistance against lateral load and earthquake force. To compensate for this shortcoming, the ancients increased a diameter of a rammed earth wall walls or they used wood to strengthen a rammed earth wall, which is suitable for low-rise buildings. But today, with the increase in price of land and housing and the effort to simplify buildings, it is no longer possible to build thick walls. In other words, if no stabilizer is used in ramming process or rammed earth is not reinforced, it is not suitable for construction of high- rise buildings.

[0004] Reuse of rammed earth has been started in the early years of the 21^st century mostly in European countries and countries that are less concerned about earthquakes, and therefore, there is not much work done to strengthen rammed earth structures against earthquake. Of course, there have been innovations in this field in recent years, for example, national regulations (No. NZS 4297) of New Zealand for rammed earth technique, which is considered an earthquake-prone country. These regulations were approved in 1998 and became an important development in use of rammed earth technique in earthquake -prone countries. In a patented case No. US7,033, 116B 1, Ward& Grill disclosed a method for constructing a rammed earth structure strengthened to withstand tensile stresses, such as flexure and shear stresses during strong wind or earthquake. Ward& Grill used steel rebars and bond beams to reinforce a rammed earth wall. In patented case No. CN211817138U in 2020, an anti-seismic rammed earth wall structure was disclosed. The anti-seismic rammed earth wall structure includes a gravel layer, a rammed earth wall body, a fixed clamping plate layer, a transverse strawcontaining rammed earth layer, and a longitudinal straw-containing rammed earth layer. The rammed earth wall body is symmetrically arranged between the fixed clamping plate layers and the straw-containing rammed earth layers.

[0005] However, there is a need for rammed earth structures being able to compete with strong concrete structures. Specifically, there is a need for rammed earth structures with high strength against tensile stresses and high loadings, particularly, appropriate for constructing in earthquake-prone countries.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of this patent may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

[0007] In one general aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure may include an armed scaffold located inside a rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the armed scaffold may include a foundation located at the bottom of the armed scaffold, a bond beam located at the top of the armed scaffold, two concrete columns located at two respective comers of the armed scaffold extending along height of the armed scaffold, a mesh network continuously extended from the foundation to the bond beam, a strand of barbed wire perpendicularly woven into the mesh network, a plurality of vertical rebars extended parallel with each other along a height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam, a plurality of horizontal rebars extended parallel with each other between the two concrete columns, a plurality of U-shaped fasteners fastening the plurality of vertical rebars, the plurality of horizontal rebars, and the mesh network together, and a plurality of transverse connectors extending along the thickness of the armed scaffold passing transversely through the rammed earth wall and the armed scaffold.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the foundation may include a first concrete beam including a plurality of holes. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may receive a bottom end of a vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may be filled with rammed earth around an exemplary vertical rebar. In an exemplary embodiment, thickness of the foundation may be at least equal to a distance between two outer surfaces of rammed earth wall may define a thickness of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may include a hole with a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the bond beam may include a second concrete beam including a plurality of protruded parts correspondingly located opposite to the plurality of holes of the foundation. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may receive a respective top end of the vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may be surrounded by rammed earth. In an exemplary embodiment, a distance from the foundation to the bond beam may define a height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may include a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between the two concrete columns may define a width of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each concrete column may include a protruded part along the height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the protruded part may define a shear key along the respective concrete column. In an exemplary embodiment, the rammed earth wall may be interconnected to the two concrete columns through the respective protruded part.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vertical rebars may include parallel pairs of vertical rebars arranged at equal distances in a range of 50 cm to 150 cm apart from each other along the width of the armed scaffold between the two concrete columns. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars may include a first vertical rebar and a second vertical rebar located opposite to each other along the thickness of the armed scaffold with a distance in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, each vertical rebar may be located at a distance of at least 7 cm from an outer edge of the rammed earth wall.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh network may include a transverse section and a longitudinal section repeated every other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam. In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh network may include a wire grid network made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a geosynthetic material, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire grid network may include a plurality of openings. In an exemplary embodiment, each opening may have an area in a range of 1 cm² to 10 cm². In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal section of the mesh network may have a height in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive longitudinal sections of the mesh network may include a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal section may be fastened by a first plurality of wires to a row of the first vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the second longitudinal section may be fastened by a second plurality of wires to a row of the second vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold opposite to the first vertical rebars.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of horizontal rebars may include pairs of horizontal rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of horizontal rebars may be located and fastened onto a transverse section of the mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars may be spaced from each other by a vertical distance in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance between each two horizontal rebars of a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars may be in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the strand of barbed wire may include a plurality of sharped edges protruded from two sides of the mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sharped edges may anchored into the rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sharped edges may tighten the mesh network to the rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, each sharp edge of the plurality of sharped edges of the strand of barbed wire may have a length in a range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm. [0015] In an exemplary embodiment, each U-shaped fastener of the plurality of U-shaped fasteners may enclose a respective transverse section of the mesh network along with a pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars and a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars located at both sides of the respective transverse section at a comer of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of U-shaped fasteners may include a plurality of stirrups.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of transverse connectors may interlock the rammed earth wall and the armed scaffold together. In an exemplary embodiment, each transverse connector of the plurality of transverse connectors may include at least one of a rebar, a bolt, a strip anchor, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each rebar of each of the plurality of vertical rebars and the plurality of horizontal rebars may include a rebar made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, fiberglass, an epoxy, a composite, bamboo culms, and combinations thereof with a diameter in a range of 8 mm to 20 mm.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure may further include an insulator layer with a thickness in a range of 2 mm to 10 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may be located inside the earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure within a distance of at least about 5 cm from an outer surface of the rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may have a width equal to the width of the armed scaffold and a height equal to the height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may include a layer of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closed-cell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, a thermal-insulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the rammed earth wall may include a soil mixture compacted at both sides and alongside the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness of the soil mixture at each side of the armed scaffold may be at least 7 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the soil mixture may include a mixture of at least one of clay, silt, sand, gravels, a stabilizer, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the stabilizer may include at least one of cement, lime, bitumen, factory slag, ash, asphalt, plant fibers, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the soil mixture may include the stabilizer with a weight percent in a range of 5% to 15% relative to a total weight of the soil mixture.

[0020] In another general aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an armed scaffold located inside a construction wall firmly engaged together. In an exemplary embodiment, the armed scaffold may include a foundation located at the bottom of the armed scaffold, a bond beam located at the top of the armed scaffold, two concrete columns located at two respective comers of the armed scaffold extending along height of the armed scaffold, a mesh network continuously extended from the foundation to the bond beam with a zigzag arrangement, a strand of barbed wire perpendicularly woven into the mesh network, a plurality of vertical rebars extended parallel with each other along a height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam, a plurality of horizontal rebars extended parallel with each other between the two concrete columns, a plurality of U-shaped fasteners fastening the plurality of vertical rebars, the plurality of horizontal rebars, and the mesh network together, an insulator layer, and a plurality of transverse connectors extending along the thickness of the armed scaffold passing transversely through the construction wall and the armed scaffold.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the foundation may include a first concrete beam including a plurality of holes. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may receive a bottom end of a vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may be filled with at least one of concrete, rammed earth, and combinations thereof around an exemplary vertical rebar. In an exemplary embodiment, thickness of the foundation may be at least equal to a distance between two outer surfaces of construction wall may define a thickness of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of the plurality of holes may include a hole with a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the bond beam may include a second concrete beam including a plurality of protruded parts correspondingly located opposite to the plurality of holes of the foundation. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may receive a respective top end of the vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may be surrounded by at least one of concrete, rammed earth, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a distance from the foundation to the bond beam may define a height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts may include a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between the two concrete columns may define a width of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, each concrete column may include a protruded part along the height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the protruded part may define a shear key along the respective concrete column. In an exemplary embodiment, the construction wall may be interconnected to the two concrete columns through the respective protruded part.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vertical rebars may include parallel pairs of vertical rebars arranged at equal distances in a range of 50 cm to 150 cm apart from each other along the width of the armed scaffold between the two concrete columns. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars may include a first vertical rebar and a second vertical rebar located opposite to each other along the thickness of the armed scaffold with a distance in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, each vertical rebar may be located at a distance of at least 7 cm from an outer edge of the construction wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vertical rebars may include a plurality of pairs of vertical rebars, where a respective top end pair of each respective pair of vertical rebars may be confined inside a respective protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts and a respective bottom end pair of each respective pair of vertical rebars may be confined inside a respective hole of the plurality of holes.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh network may include a transverse section and a longitudinal section repeated every other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam. In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh network may include a wire grid network made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a geosynthetic material, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire grid network may include a plurality of openings. In an exemplary embodiment, each opening may have an area in a range of 1 cm² to 10 cm². In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal section of the mesh network may have a height in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive longitudinal sections of the mesh network may include a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal section may be fastened by a first plurality of wires to a row of the first vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the second longitudinal section may be fastened by a second plurality of wires to a row of the second vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold opposite to the first vertical rebars.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of horizontal rebars may include pairs of horizontal rebars. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of horizontal rebars may be located and fastened onto both sides of a transverse section of the mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars may be spaced from each other by a vertical distance in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance between each two horizontal rebars of a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars may be in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the strand of barbed wire may include a plurality of sharped edges protruded from two sides of the mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sharped edges may anchored into the construction wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sharped edges may tighten the mesh network to the construction wall. In an exemplary embodiment, each sharp edge of the plurality of sharped edges of the strand of barbed wire may have a length in a range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, each U-shaped fastener of the plurality of U-shaped fasteners may enclose a respective transverse section of the mesh network along with a pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars and a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars located at both sides of the respective transverse section at a comer of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of U-shaped fasteners may include a plurality of stirrups.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 10 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may be located along the height of the armed scaffold in parallel with the longitudinal section of the mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may have a width equal to the width of the armed scaffold and a height equal to the height of the armed scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator layer may include a layer of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closed-cell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, a thermal-insulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of transverse connectors may interlock the construction wall and the armed scaffold together. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of transverse connectors may pass through the construction wall, the insulator layer, the mesh network, and the barbed wire, and interlocking them together. In an exemplary embodiment, each transverse connector of the plurality of transverse connectors may include at least one of a rebar, a bolt, a strip anchor, and combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0032] FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. IB shows a side view of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 1C-1D show two perspective views of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. IE shows a side view of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. IF shows a top view of a comer of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0037] FIG. 2A shows a view of an exemplary arrangement of structural elements of an exemplary armed core in connection to each other, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2B shows a view of an exemplary zigzag installation of an exemplary mesh network and an interconnection among an exemplary mesh network, pairs of vertical rebars, pairs of horizontal rebars, plurality of transverse connectors, and restraining thereof by an exemplary plurality of U-shaped fasteners, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a view of a joint between exemplary side parts and of an exemplary rammed earth wall and an exemplary bond beam in addition to an exemplary arrangement of exemplary ceiling beams, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0040] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary flow diagram of an exemplary method for constructing an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0042] Herein, an armed core or scaffold for installing inside a construction wall is disclosed. An exemplary armed scaffold may reinforce and strengthen an exemplary construction wall. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary construction wall may be made of at least one of concrete, rammed earth, and combinations thereof. More specifically, an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure is disclosed here. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure may include a reinforced core inside a rammed earth wall which continuously connects structural elements from foundation to ceiling. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reinforced core may include vertical bars arranged in a foundation extending along an exemplary rammed earth wall upwards to a ceiling of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of stoppers may be designed and constructed in an exemplary foundation for making a strong interaction between an exemplary foundation and an exemplary rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, a continuous network mesh may start from an exemplary foundation and continue with a zigzag arrangement along a height and width of an exemplary rammed earth wall up to an exemplary ceiling of an exemplary earthquake -resistant rammed earth structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of horizontal bars may be placed at a regular height of an exemplary rammed earth wall extending between two vertical concrete columns placed at two end comers of an exemplary rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, a horizontal bond beam may be arranged at top of an exemplary rammed earth wall and between an exemplary rammed earth wall and an exemplary horizontal bond beam, a plurality of stoppers may be formed similar to exemplary stoppers of an exemplary foundation. Exemplary stoppers may improve an interaction of an exemplary rammed earth wall and an exemplary horizontal bond beam. Furthermore, a plurality of ceiling beams may be placed on an exemplary horizontal bond beam. In the comers of an exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, rammed earth walls leading to two vertical concrete columns may be grooved to provide a firm interaction between an exemplary rammed earth wall and two vertical concrete columns.

[0043] FIG. 1A shows an exploded view 101 of an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may include a rammed earth wall 102 and an armed scaffold 104 firmly interlocked to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 may be reinforced by armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, armed scaffold 104 may be located inside rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, armed scaffold 104 may be located between two side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 may further include a portion of rammed earth (not illustrated) filled within armed scaffold 104 in addition to side parts 102a and 102b that may fill apertures of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, all parts of rammed earth wall 102 and armed scaffold 104 may be firmly tightened together. In an exemplary embodiment, side parts 102a and 102b, an exemplary portion of rammed earth filled within armed scaffold 104, and armed scaffold 104 may be firmly tightened and fixed together. In an exemplary embodiment, armed scaffold 104 may be located in the middle of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, armed scaffold 104 may also be installed inside a concrete wall and firmly engaged to an exemplary concrete wall; thereby, resulting in reinforcing an exemplary concrete wall. In such cases, a similar structure to earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may be obtained, in which all parts of rammed earth wall 102 may be made of concrete. In a more general exemplary embodiment, armed scaffold 104 may also be installed inside a construction wall made of any type of constructing material, for example, at least one of rammed earth, concrete, and combinations thereof.

[0044] FIG. IB shows a side view 103 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may further include a ceiling 112 at top. Regarding FIGs. 1A-1B, armed scaffold 104 may include a foundation 106 located at the bottom of armed scaffold 104, a bond beam 114 located at the top of armed scaffold 104, two concrete columns 108 at comers of armed scaffold 104 extended from foundation 106 towards bond beam 114, and armed core 110 in the middle of armed scaffold 104.

[0045] FIGs. 1C-1D show two perspective views 105 and 107 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a height 126 of armed scaffold 104 may include a distance from bottom of foundation 106 to top of bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, a width 128 of armed scaffold 104 may include a length of foundation 106 or a distance between two concrete columns 108 at two comers of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness 130 of armed scaffold 104 may include a thickness of foundation 106 equal to a distance between two outer surfaces of rammed earth wall 102.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1C, armed core 110 may include a plurality of vertical rebars 118, a plurality of horizontal rebars 120, a plurality of transverse connectors 122, and mesh network 124. Regarding FIGs. 1B-1D, plurality of vertical rebars 118 may extend parallel with each other along height 126 of armed scaffold 104 from foundation 106 to bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of horizontal rebars 120 may extend parallel with each other between two concrete columns 108 along width 128 of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of transverse connectors 122 may extend transversely through rammed earth wall 102 and armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of transverse connectors 122 may extend along thickness 130 of armed scaffold 104.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, foundation 106 may include a first concrete beam located at the bottom of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, foundation 106 may include a plurality of holes 117. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of plurality of holes 117 may include a hole with a height in a range of about 5 cm to about 15 cm formed in foundation 106. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of holes 117 may be formed in foundation 106 to act as a movement stopper for plurality of vertical rebars 118 as well as an engaging element tightening foundation 106, armed core 110, and rammed earth wall 102 together. In an exemplary embodiment, each hole of plurality of holes 117 may receive a bottom end 132 of an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118. In an exemplary embodiment, a hollow space surrounding bottom end 132 of an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 may be fdled with rammed earth during a process of constructing earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure 100. [0048] In an exemplary embodiment, bond beam 114 may include a second concrete beam located at the top of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, bond beam 114 may include a plurality of protruded parts 116 correspondingly located opposite to plurality of holes 117. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of protruded parts 116 may act as movement stoppers for plurality of vertical rebars 118 as well as an engaging element tightening bond beam 114, armed core 110, and rammed earth wall 102 together. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of plurality of protruded parts 116 may receive a top end 134 of an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of plurality of protruded parts 116 may surrounded by rammed earth during a process of constructing earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruded part of plurality of protruded parts 116 may have a height in a range of about 5 cm to about 15 cm protruded from bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, top end 134 of an exemplary vertical rebar may be fixed inside an exemplary protruded part of plurality of protruded parts 116; thereby, resulting in prevention of movement of an exemplary vertical rebar when an external force is applied to earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, for example, during an earthquake or high wind. In an exemplary embodiment, top end 134 of an exemplary vertical rebar may pass through bond beam 114 and may continue towards ceiling 112 where may be fixed into ceiling 112 through an L-shaped end 125.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, an engagement between pluralities of vertical rebars 118 and holes 117 or an engagement between pluralities of vertical rebars 118 and protruded parts 116 may prevent lateral movements of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 and increase entanglement between the wall and the foundation. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of holes 117 and/or plurality of protruded parts 116 may provide a firm interaction between rammed earth wall 102 and foundation 106 and/or rammed earth wall 102 and bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of protruded parts 116 may facilitate transferring force from bond beam 114 and/or ceiling 112 at top of bond beam 114 to concrete columns 108 and then foundation 106 and plurality of holes 117, and thereafter, from foundation 106 to earth.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102, mesh network 124, foundation 106, and ceiling 112 may be interconnected together through plurality of vertical rebars 118 extended from foundation 106 to ceiling 112. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 may include a rebar made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, fiberglass, an epoxy, a composite, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 may be made of bamboo culms (hollow stems). In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary vertical rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 may have a diameter in a range of about 8 mm to about 20 mm.

[0051] Referring back to FIG. 1C, mesh network 124 may continuously extend from foundation 106 to bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 124 may extend along height 126 of armed scaffold 104 in a zigzag arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 124 may include a transverse section 124a and a longitudinal section 124b repeated every other along height 126 of armed scaffold 104 from foundation 106 to bond beam 114. In an exemplary embodiment, each longitudinal section 124b of mesh network 124 may have a height in a range of about 30 cm to about 70 cm along height 126 of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, each longitudinal section 124b of mesh network 124 may have a height of about 50 cm along height 126 of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive longitudinal sections 124b and 124c of mesh network 124 may be located parallel with each other respectively adjacent to two opposite side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinal sections 124b may be fastened by a first plurality of wires (not illustrated) to a first row of vertical rebars of plurality of vertical rebars 118 located along width 128 of armed scaffold 104 next to side part 102a of rammed earth wall 102. Furthermore, longitudinal sections 124c may be fastened by a second plurality of wires (not illustrated) to a second row of vertical rebars of plurality of vertical rebars 118 located along width 128 of armed scaffold 104 next to side part 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, each transverse section 124a of mesh network 124 may have a width between in a range of about 20 cm to about 30 cm along thickness 130 of armed scaffold 104.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, each transverse section 124a of mesh network 124 may be placed within a distance in a range of about 7 cm to about 15 cm from outer surfaces of side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, thickness 130 of armed scaffold 104 may be in a range of about 20 cm to about 60 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a soil mixture may be poured and rammed inside side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102 and inside armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness of an exemplary soil mixture at each side of armed scaffold 104 within side parts 102a and 102b may be at least about 7 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary soil mixture may include a mixture of at least one of clay, silt, sand, gravel, a stabilizer, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary stabilizer may include at least one of cement, lime, bitumen, factory slag, ash, asphalt, plant fibers, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary soil mixture may include an exemplary stabilizer with a weight percent in a range of 5% to 15% relative to a total weight of an exemplary soil mixture.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, a continuity of mesh network 124 along height 126 may be a key issue. In an exemplary embodiment, continuous mesh network 124 may prevent rammed earth wall 102 from collapsing in a serious earthquake. In an exemplary embodiment, continuous mesh network 124 may improve a compressive strength of rammed earth wall 102 as a guarded network. Therefore, an enough time may be provided for inhabitants to escape from inside earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 when a serious earthquake happens.

[0054] FIG. 2A shows a view 201 of an exemplary arrangement of structural elements of an armed core 220 in connection to each other, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, armed core 220 may be an exemplar of armed core 110 described in connection with FIGs. 1A-1D hereinabove. In an exemplary embodiment, pair of vertical rebars 200 may include an exemplary pair of vertical rebars of plurality of vertical rebars 118 shown in FIGs. 1B-1D. Furthermore, mesh network 208 may be an exemplar of mesh network 124 and pair of horizontal rebars 210 may include an exemplary pair of horizontal rebars of plurality of horizontal rebars 120 shown in FIGs. IBID. Moreover, plurality of transverse connectors 222 may be an exemplar of plurality of transverse connectors 122 illustrated in FIGs. 1C-1D.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of vertical rebars 118 may include a plurality of pairs of vertical rebars 200 arranged in parallel with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, pairs of vertical rebars 200 may be arranged at an equal distance 202 in a range of about 50 cm to about 150 cm apart from each other along width 128 of armed scaffold 104 between two concrete columns 108. In an exemplary embodiment, distance 202 between each two pair of vertical rebars 200 may be about 1 m. In an exemplary embodiment, distance 202 between each two pair of vertical rebars 200 may be adjusted based on construction parameters and structural calculations. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair of vertical rebars 200 of plurality of vertical rebars 118 may include a first vertical rebar 202a and a second vertical rebar 202b located opposite to each other along thickness 130 of armed scaffold 104 with a distance 204 in a range of about 10 cm to about 30 cm from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, distance 204 between each first vertical rebar 202a and second vertical rebar 202b of each pair of vertical rebars 200 may be adjusted at about 20 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, distance 204 between each first vertical rebar 202a and second vertical rebar 202b of each pair of vertical rebars 200 may be adjusted based on construction parameters and structural calculations. In an exemplary embodiment, each vertical rebar 200b may be located at a distance of at least about 7 cm from an outer edge 214 of side part 216 as an exemplar of side parts 102a or 102b of rammed earth wall 102.

[0056] Furthermore, FIG. 2A represents an engagement between armed core 220 and foundation 209 (similar to foundation 106 of FIGs. 1C-1D) through confining a movement area of pair of vertical rebars 200 inside a hole 207 formed in foundation 209. In an exemplary embodiment, hole 207 may be an exemplar of an exemplary hole of plurality of holes 117 illustrated in FIGs. 1C-1D. In an exemplary embodiment, bottom ends of pair of vertical rebars 200 may be placed inside a hole 207 and enclosed by rammed earth or concrete there inside, so that a movement of pair of vertical rebars 200 may be limited and pair of vertical rebars 200 may be fixed at their designed location even in high stresses conditions, such as earthquake or strong winds.

[0057] Regarding FIG. 2A, a pair of horizontal rebars 210 may be located on both sides of each transverse section 208a of mesh network 208. In an exemplary embodiment, pair of horizontal rebars 210 may be fastened onto transverse section 208a. In an exemplary embodiment, pair of horizontal rebars 210 may be fastened by one or more wires (not illustrated) onto transverse section 208a. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars 210 may be spaced from each other by a vertical distance in a range of about 30 cm to about 70 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars 210 may be spaced from each other by a vertical distance of about 50 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars 210 may be equal to a height of a longitudinal section 208b of mesh network 208. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance 212 between each two horizontal rebars 210a and 210b of pair of horizontal rebars 210 may be in a range of about 10 cm to about 30 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance 212 between each two horizontal rebars 210a and 210b of pair of horizontal rebars 210 may be about 20 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, each horizontal rebar 210a or 210b may include a rebar made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, fiberglass, an epoxy, a composite, bamboo culms, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each horizontal rebar 210a or 210b may have a diameter in a range of about 8 mm to about 20 mm.

[0058] With more reference to FIG. 2A, armed core 220 may further include a plurality of U- shaped fasteners 206 fastening pairs of vertical rebars 200, pairs of horizontal rebars 210, and mesh network 208 together. In an exemplary embodiment, each U-shaped fastener 206 may enclose transverse section 208a of mesh network 208 along with pair of vertical rebars 200 and pair of horizontal rebars 210 located at both sides of transverse section 208a at a comer of armed core 220. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of U-shaped fasteners 206 may include a plurality of stirrups. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of U-shaped fasteners 206 may interconnect transverse section 208a, pair of vertical rebars 200, and pair of horizontal rebars 210 at an intersection of these elements. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of U-shaped fasteners 206 may fix pairs of vertical rebars 200 in their place and prevent them from deviating to outside or inside direction. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of U-shaped fasteners 206 and pairs of horizontal rebars 210 may fix mesh network 208 at a specific pre-determined distance.

[0059] FIG. 2B shows a view 203 of an exemplary zigzag installation of mesh network 208 and an interconnection among mesh network 218, pairs of vertical rebars 200, pairs of horizontal rebars 210, plurality of transverse connectors 222, and restraining thereof by plurality of U-shaped fasteners 206, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 208 may include a plurality of openings 218. In an exemplary embodiment, each opening 218 may have a square-shaped openings with a dimension in a range of 1 cm to 3 cm by 1 cm to 3 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, each opening 218 may have an area in a range of 1 cm² to 10 cm². In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary size of opening 218 may be adjusted based on construction parameters and structural calculations. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 208 may include a wire grid network made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a geosynthetic material, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 124 may include a geogrid. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 208 may internally reinforce rammed earth wall 102 in combination with pairs of vertical rebars 200 and pairs of horizontal rebars 210.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2B, a strand of barbed wire 224 may be perpendicularly woven into mesh network 208. In an exemplary embodiment, strand of barbed wire 224 may include a plurality of sharped edges protruded from two sides of mesh network 208 and anchored into side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102 tightening mesh network 208 to rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, strand of barbed wire 224 may provide further internally reinforcement to earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, strand of barbed wire 224 facing upward and downward may allow for firmly interaction between mesh network 208 and two side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, mesh network 208 may be easily separated from two layers 102a and 102b of rammed earth in the absence of strand of barbed wire 224. In an exemplary embodiment, strand of barbed wire 206 may include a plurality of sharped edges inserted into two side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth and tightening mesh network 208 to two side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, each sharp edge of an exemplary plurality of sharped edges of strand of barbed wire 224 may have a length in a range of about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, armed core 110 may include plurality of transverse connectors 122 as exemplary shown in FIGs. 1C-1D or similarly structured plurality of transverse connectors 222 of armed core 220 illustrated in FIG. 2A. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of transverse connectors 122 may have a structural role in making earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 stronger and firmly connecting armed core 110 and side parts 102a and 102b together. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 and armed core 110 may be interconnected firmly together through plurality of transverse connectors 122. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of transverse connectors 122 may interlock rammed earth wall 102 and armed scaffold 104 together.

[0062] FIG. IE shows a side view 109 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, each transversal connector 122a or 122b may include at least one of a rebar, a bolt, a strip anchor, square profile, and combinations thereof transversally interconnecting two side parts 102a and 102b and armed core 110 to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, transversal connectors 122a and/or 122b may pass through side parts 102a and 102b and mesh network 124 via respective holes (not illustrated) embedded in side parts 102a and 102b; thereby, interconnecting side parts 102a and 102b to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance 136 between each two adjacent transversal connectors 122a and 122b may be in a range of about 20 cm to about 100 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, a normal distance 136 between each two adjacent transversal connectors 122a and 122b may be about 50 cm.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, transversal connectors 122a and/or 122b may be attached and fastened to side parts 102a and 102b using two soldier piles attached respectively to outer surfaces of side parts 102a and 102b with the assistance of a plurality of wing nuts during a construction process of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plurality of wing nuts may include at least one of a plurality of washer based wing nuts, a plurality of square plate wing nuts, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, transversal connectors 122a and/or 122b may be firmly fastened or screwed to side parts 102a and 102b to avoid a movement due to a side pressure of concreting or ramming process while forming earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, protruding parts of plurality of transversal connectors 122 from an exterior surface of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may be cut or removed and a remaining part may remain inside earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, exemplary two soldier piles may be removed from earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure 100 after ramming earth process of forming side parts 102a and 102b. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of transversal connectors 122 may be removed from earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 after an exemplary construction process.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of vertical rebars 118, plurality of horizontal rebars 120, and plurality of transverse connectors 122 may be decayed due to connection with soil of rammed earth in side parts 102a and 102b and/or inside armed core 110 and/or moisture of surrounding environment. Therefore, plurality of vertical rebars 118, plurality of horizontal rebars 120, and plurality of transverse connectors 122 may be insulated by a cover coated around each rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 and plurality of horizontal rebars 120 and each transverse connector of plurality of transverse connectors 122. In an exemplary embodiment, an insulator coating may be coated around each rebar of plurality of vertical rebars 118 and plurality of horizontal rebars 120 and each transverse connector of plurality of transverse connectors 122. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator coating may include a layer of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closed-cell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, a thermal-insulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator coating may have a thickness in a range of about 100 nm to about 5 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, a moisture-proof paint may be coated around plurality of vertical rebars 118, plurality of horizontal rebars 120, and plurality of transverse connectors 122.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may further include an insulator layer (not illustrated). In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may be located inside earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 within a distance of at least about 5 cm from an interior surface and/or exterior surface of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, each side part 102a or 102b may include an exemplary insulator layer coated on an interior surface or an exterior surface of each part 102a or 102b. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may be located along height 126 of armed scaffold 104 in parallel with longitudinal sections 124b and 124c of mesh network 124. In an exemplary embodiment, if an exemplary insulator layer may be cut at intersections with transverse sections 124a of mesh network 124.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may include a sheet made of at least one of a moisture-proof material, a thermal insulator material, a soundproof material, a shock absorbing material, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may include a layer of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closed-cell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, a thermal-insulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a thermal-insulating polymer, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may be used for reducing energy loss due to heat exchange between an exemplary rammed earth and/or an exemplary concrete structure and surrounding environment. Moreover, an exemplary insulator layer may allow for prevention of structural damage to side parts 102a and 102b, armed core 110, and whole of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may be a protecting layer for side parts 102a and 102b while moving and installing earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, so that an exemplary insulator layer may act as a shock absorber and prevent damage to earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure 100.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may have a length and width, respectively equal to height 126 and width 128 of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness of an exemplary insulator layer may be determined depending on climate conditions and structural calculations. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness of an exemplary insulator layer may be adjusted depending on a rate of heat exchange between earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 and surrounding environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a thickness of an exemplary insulator layer may be adjusted regarding climate situation of a place where earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 may be formed or delivered thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 10 cm.

[0068] FIG. IF shows a view 111 of a comer of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, each concrete column 108 may include a protruded part 138 extending along height 126 of armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, protruded part 138 may include a shear key for concrete column 108, which may penetrate into rammed earth wall 102; thereby, resulting in a firm connection between rammed earth wall 102 and concrete columns 108. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 may interconnect to two concrete columns 108 through respective protruded parts 138. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 may include a groove at location of protruded parts 138, where concrete columns 108 may engage there inside. In an exemplary embodiment, protruded part 138 may act as a fastening element interlocking concrete columns 108 and rammed earth wall 102 to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, protruded part 138 may have a size 140 in a range of about 5 cm to about 20 cm penetrating into rammed earth wall 102.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a view 300 of a joint between side parts 302 and 304 of an exemplary rammed earth wall and a bond beam 306 in addition to an arrangement of ceiling beams 310, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 104 may further include a plurality of connecting nails joining bond beam 114 and rammed earth wall 102 to each other. Regarding FIG. 3, a plurality of connecting nails 308 may be fastened into side parts 302 and 304 of an exemplary rammed earth wall, similar to rammed earth wall 102, joining bond beam 306 (similar to bond beam 114) to an exemplary rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, before constructing bond beam 306, plurality of connecting nails 308 may be nailed onto an exemplary rammed earth wall at respective locations on interior surfaces of side parts 302 and 304. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of connecting nails 308 may provide a firm connection between bond beam 306 and an exemplary rammed earth wall. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of connecting nails 308 may also be used everywhere a contact is between concrete and rammed earth, for example, at a connection between rammed earth wall 102 and plurality of protruded parts 116 of bond beam 114 and/or a connection between protruded part 138 of concrete column 108 and rammed earth wall 102. With more reference to FIG. 3, a row of ceiling beams 310 may be placed above bond beam 306 forming a ceiling for an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure similar to earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100.

[0070] In another general aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary method for constructing an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure is described. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary flow diagram of exemplary method 400 for constructing an earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, method 400 may include forming a foundation (step 402), placing a rammed earth formwork at both sides of an exemplary foundation (step 404), placing a row of pairs of vertical rebars inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork (step 406), placing a longitudinal section of a mesh network upwards from an exemplary foundation (step 408), forming a layer of a rammed earth wall by pouring a soil mixture inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork and ramming thereof (step 410), placing a transverse section of an exemplary mesh network by changing a direction of an exemplary mesh network (step 412), placing two rebars horizontally along a width of an exemplary rammed earth formwork on both sides of an exemplary transverse section of an exemplary mesh network (step 414), restraining an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, and an exemplary mesh network together by placing a u-shaped fastener around an intersection of an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, and an exemplary mesh network (step 416), fastening an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, an exemplary mesh network, an exemplary rammed earth, and an exemplary rammed earth formwork by passing and screwing a row of transverse connectors through a thickness of an exemplary rammed earth formwork (step 418), forming a bond beam (step 420), forming two concrete columns at comers (step 422), and forming a ceiling at top of an exemplary bond beam (step 424). In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary an earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure may be similar to earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 described herein above, so exemplary method 400 may be described in connection with FIGs. 1A-1F, 2A-2B, and 3 in the following.

[0071] In further detail with respect to step 402, step 402 may include forming a foundation similar to foundation 106. In an exemplary embodiment, forming foundation 106 may include constructing a concrete column with a plurality holes therein similar to plurality of holes 117. [0072] In further detail with respect to step 404, step 404 may include placing a rammed earth formwork at both sides of an exemplary foundation. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary rammed earth formwork made of at least one of a metal, wood, and combinations thereof may be installed at both sides of foundation 106. In an exemplary embodiment, two parallel sides of an exemplary rammed earth formwork may be tied to each other by fastening exemplary two parallel sides using plurality of transverse connections 122 passing through exemplary two parallel sides and screwing there. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary rammed earth formwork may be separated and removed at the end of method 400 after a complete construction of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100.

[0073] In further detail with respect to step 406, step 406 may include placing a row of pairs of vertical rebars along a width of an exemplary rammed earth form work. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary row of pairs of vertical rebars may be structurally similar to plurality of vertical rebars 118 that may be placed inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork with a similar arrangement to an arrangement of plurality of vertical rebars 118. In an exemplary embodiment, for constructing an exemplary earthquake -resistant rammed earth structure with a thickness of about 40 cm, two rebars may be installed vertically parallel with each other at an about 10 cm distance from both edges of an exemplary rammed earth form work inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork.

[0074] In further detail with respect to step 408, step 408 may include placing a longitudinal section of a mesh network upwards from an exemplary foundation. In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinal section 124b of mesh network 124 may be extended vertically from foundation 106 and longitudinal section 124b may be joined to plurality of vertical rebars 118. [0075] In further detail with respect to step 410, step 410 may include forming a layer of a rammed earth wall by pouring a soil mixture inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork and ramming thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary soil mixture may be poured inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork and rammed to obtain a pre-determined height of rammed earth inside an exemplary rammed earth formwork. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary pre-determined height of rammed earth may be about 50 cm.

[0076] In further detail with respect to step 412, step 412 may include placing a transverse section of an exemplary mesh network by changing a direction of an exemplary mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, after reaching about 50 cm of an exemplary rammed earth, a direction of an exemplary mesh network (e.g., mesh network 124) may be changed to form an exemplary transverse section similar to transverse section 124a. In an exemplary embodiment, each of steps 408 and 412 of forming mesh network 124 may further include weaving strand of barbed wire 224 into each of transverse section 124a and/or longitudinal section 124b.

[0077] In further detail with respect to step 414, step 414 may include placing two rebars horizontally along a width of an exemplary rammed earth formwork on both sides of an exemplary transverse section of an exemplary mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, step 414 may include placing two exemplary horizontal rebars 210a and 210b parallel with each other on transverse section 208a of mesh network 208. In an exemplary embodiment, step 414 may further include fastening horizontal rebars 210a and 210b to mesh network 208 using twisted wires.

[0078] In further detail with respect to step 416, step 416 may include restraining an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, and an exemplary mesh network together by placing a u-shaped fastener around an intersection of an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, and an exemplary mesh network. In an exemplary embodiment, u-shaped fastener 206 may be placed around an intersection of pair of vertical rebars 200, pair of horizontal rebars 210, and mesh network 208.

[0079] Furthermore, exemplary transverse connector 222 may further fasten pair of vertical rebars 200, pair of horizontal rebars 210, and mesh network 208 together. In further detail with respect to step 418, step 418 may include fastening an exemplary pair of vertical rebars, an exemplary pair horizontal rebars, an exemplary mesh network, an exemplary rammed earth, and an exemplary rammed earth formwork by passing and screwing a row of transverse connectors through a thickness of an exemplary rammed earth formwork. In an exemplary embodiment, a row of transverse connectors 222 may be installed in a way that pair of vertical rebars 200, pair of horizontal rebars 210, and mesh network 208 may be joined together as well as to an exemplary rammed earth form work and rammed earth there inside.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, steps 406-418 of method 400 may be repeated in a cycle up to obtain a pre-determined height 126 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. Regarding step 420, after reaching an exemplary pre-determined height 126 of earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure 100, a bond beam similar to bond beam 114 may be placed at top of rammed earth wall 102 and armed scaffold 104. In an exemplary embodiment, bond beam 114 may be hidden between side parts 102a and 102b of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, at first rammed earth wall 102 may be constructed and the middle of rammed earth wall 102 may be left empty. After that, rebars and u-shaped fasteners of bond beam 114 may be arranged. In an exemplary embodiment, if an exemplary pre-determined height 126 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 is more than a height of an exemplary rammed earth formwork, another exemplary rammed earth formwork may be abutted to a previously installed exemplary rammed earth formwork and steps 406-418 may be repeated up to reach an exemplary pre -determined height 126 of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100.

[0081] In further detail with respect to step 420, step 420 may include forming a bond beam. In an exemplary embodiment, bond beam 114 may be installed in and the middle of rammed earth wall 102 using a plurality of connecting nails similar to connecting nails 308. In an exemplary embodiment, before constructing bond beam 114, an exemplary plurality of connecting nails may be put on rammed earth wall 102 at respective locations on interior surfaces of side parts 102a and 102b. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plurality of connecting nails may provide a firm connection between bond beam 114 and rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary plurality of connecting nails may also be used everywhere a contact is between concrete and rammed earth, for example, a connection between rammed earth wall 102 and plurality of protruded parts 116 of bond beam 114 and/or a connection between protruded part 138 of concrete column 108 and rammed earth wall 102. [0082] In further detail with respect to step 422, step 422 may include forming two concrete columns at comers similar to concrete columns 108. In an exemplary embodiment, two concrete columns 108 with protruded parts 138 may be constructed at two side comers of rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, rammed earth wall 102 and two concrete columns 108 may be firmly tight to each other through protruded parts 138 engaging rammed earth wall 102 and two concrete columns 108 together.

[0083] In further detail with respect to step 424, step 424 may include forming a ceiling (similar to ceiling 112 at top of armed scaffold 104 and rammed earth wall 102. In an exemplary embodiment, ceiling 112 may be formed by placing ceiling beams 310 at top of armed scaffold 104 and rammed earth wall 102.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, method 400 may further include placing an exemplary insulator layer inside earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may including a sheet made of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closed-cell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, athermal-insulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof may be placed in parallel with side parts 102a and 102b along height 126 of earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure 100 within a distance of at least 5 cm from an outer surface of side part 102a and/or side part 102b. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary insulator layer may be firmly interconnected to other elements of earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure 100 with the assistance of transverse connections 122 passing through rammed earth wall 102, mesh network 124, barbed wire 224, and an exemplary insulator layer, and screwing thereto.

Industrial Applicability

[0085] An exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure disclosed herein can play an important role in construction industry. An exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure can be used in various residential, industrial, and public welfare sectors. An exemplary earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure with a lower cost of construction compared to other conventional materials, such as concrete walls, and its environmental benefits, climatic comfort, sound comfort and other key features, such as high shear strength may be used as a reliable pre-constructed or in-situ constructing wall in buildings. An exemplary armed core or armed scaffold described herein may be installed inside all types of construction walls, such as rammed earth walls, concrete walls, etc. An exemplary armed core or armed scaffold may improve and reinforce an exemplary wall installed there so that an exemplary wall may have improved features, such as high earthquake resistance. [0086] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0087] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0088] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0089] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0090] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0091] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0092] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure, comprising an armed scaffold located inside a rammed earth wall, the armed scaffold comprising: a foundation located at the bottom of the armed scaffold, the foundation comprising a first concrete beam comprising a plurality of holes, each respective hole of the plurality of holes receiving a bottom end of a vertical rebar of a plurality of vertical rebars and filled with rammed earth there around, a thickness of the foundation being at least equal to a distance between two outer surfaces of rammed earth wall defining a thickness of the armed scaffold; a bond beam located at the top of the armed scaffold, the bond beam comprising a second concrete beam comprising a plurality of protruded parts correspondingly located opposite to the plurality of holes, each respective protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts receiving a respective top end of the vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars and being surrounded by rammed earth, a distance from the foundation to the bond beam defining a height of the armed scaffold; two concrete columns located at two respective comers of the armed scaffold extending along the height of the armed scaffold, a distance between the two concrete columns defining a width of the armed scaffold, each respective concrete column comprising a protruded part along the height of the armed scaffold, the protruded part defining a shear key along the respective concrete column, the rammed earth wall interconnected to the two concrete columns through the respective protruded part; a mesh network continuously extended from the foundation to the bond beam, the mesh network comprising a transverse section and a longitudinal section repeated every other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam; a strand of barbed wire perpendicularly woven into the mesh network, the strand of barbed wire comprising a plurality of sharped edges protruded from two sides of the mesh network and anchored into the rammed earth wall tightening the mesh network to the rammed earth wall; the plurality of vertical rebars extended parallel with each other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam; a plurality of horizontal rebars extended parallel with each other between the two concrete columns; a plurality of U-shaped fasteners fastening the plurality of vertical rebars, the plurality of horizontal rebars, and the mesh network together, each respective U-shaped fastener enclosing a respective transverse section of the mesh network along with a pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars and a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars located at both sides of the respective transverse section at a comer of the armed scaffold; and a plurality of transverse connectors extending along the thickness of the armed scaffold passing transversely through the rammed earth wall and the armed scaffold, the plurality of transverse connectors interlocking the rammed earth wall and the armed scaffold together. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein: each respective hole of the plurality of holes comprises a hole with a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm; and each protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts comprises a height in a range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

3. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein the mesh network comprises a wire grid network made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a geosynthetic material, and combinations thereof, the wire grid network comprising a plurality of openings, each opening with an area in a range of 1 cm² to 10 cm².

4. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal section of the mesh network has a height in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm.

5. The earthquake -resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein each sharp edge of the plurality of sharped edges of the strand of barbed wire has a length in a range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm.

6. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical rebars comprises parallel pairs of vertical rebars arranged at equal distances in a range of 50 cm to 150 cm apart from each other along the width of the armed scaffold between the two concrete columns.

7. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 6, wherein each pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars comprises a first vertical rebar and a second vertical rebar located opposite to each other along the thickness of the armed scaffold with a distance in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm from each other.

8. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 7, wherein each two consecutive longitudinal sections of the mesh network comprise: a first longitudinal section fastened by a first plurality of wires to a row of the first vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold; and a second longitudinal section fastened by a second plurality of wires to a row of the second vertical rebars located along the width of the armed scaffold opposite to the first vertical rebars.

9. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 6, wherein each vertical rebar is located at a distance of at least 7 cm from an outer edge of the rammed earth wall.

10. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of horizontal rebars comprises pairs of horizontal rebars, each respective pair of horizontal rebars located and fastened onto a respective transverse section of the mesh network.

11. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 10, wherein each two consecutive pairs of horizontal rebars spaced from each other by a vertical distance in a range of 30 cm to 70 cm.

12. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 10, wherein a normal distance between each two horizontal rebars of a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars is in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

13. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein each transverse connector of the plurality of transverse connectors comprises at least one of a rebar, a bolt, a strip anchor, and combinations thereof.

14. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein each rebar of each of the plurality of vertical rebars and the plurality of horizontal rebars comprises a rebar made of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, fiberglass, an epoxy, a composite, bamboo culms, and combinations thereof with a diameter in a range of 8 mm to 20 mm.

15. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, further comprising an insulator layer with a thickness in a range of 2 mm to 10 cm located inside the earthquakeresistant rammed earth structure within a distance of at least 5 cm from an outer surface of the rammed earth wall, the insulator layer having a width equal to the width of the armed scaffold and a height equal to the height of the armed scaffold.

16. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 15, wherein the insulator layer comprises a layer of at least one of polycarbonate, extruded polystyrene (XPS), closedcell spray foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, fiberglass with a vapor barrier, a thermalinsulating foam, a moisture-proof foam, a moisture-proof polymer, polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), phenolic foam, and combinations thereof.

17. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 1, wherein the rammed earth wall comprises a soil mixture compacted at both sides and alongside the armed scaffold.

18. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 17, wherein a thickness of the soil mixture at each side of the armed scaffold is at least 7 cm.

19. The earthquake-resistant rammed earth structure of claim 17, wherein the soil mixture comprises a mixture of at least one of clay, silt, sand, gravels, a stabilizer, and combinations thereof, wherein the stabilizer comprises at least one of cement, lime, bitumen, factory slag, ash, asphalt, plant fibers, and combinations thereof with a weight percent in a range of 5% to 15% relative to a total weight of the soil mixture.

20. An armed scaffold located inside a construction wall, the armed scaffold comprising: a foundation located at the bottom of the armed scaffold, the foundation comprising a first concrete beam comprising a plurality of holes, each respective hole of the plurality of holes receiving a bottom end of a vertical rebar of a plurality of vertical rebars and filled with at least one of concrete, rammed earth, and combinations thereof there around, a thickness of the foundation being at least equal to a distance between two outer surfaces of the construction wall defining a thickness of the armed scaffold; a bond beam located at the top of the armed scaffold, the bond beam comprising a second concrete beam comprising a plurality of protruded parts correspondingly located opposite to the plurality of holes, each respective protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts receiving a respective top end of the vertical rebar of the plurality of vertical rebars and being surrounded by at least one of concrete, rammed earth, and combinations thereof, a distance from the foundation to the bond beam defining a height of the armed scaffold; two concrete columns located at two respective comers of the armed scaffold extending along the height of the armed scaffold, a distance between the two concrete columns defining a width of the armed scaffold, each respective concrete column comprising a protruded part along the height of the armed scaffold, the protruded part defining a shear key along the respective concrete column, the construction wall interconnected to the two concrete columns through the respective protruded part; a mesh network continuously extended from the foundation to the bond beam with a zigzag arrangement, the mesh network comprising a transverse section and a longitudinal section repeated every other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam; a strand of barbed wire perpendicularly woven into the mesh network, the strand of barbed wire comprising a plurality of sharped edges protruded from two sides of the mesh network and anchored into the construction wall tightening the mesh network to the construction wall; the plurality of vertical rebars extended parallel with each other along the height of the armed scaffold from the foundation to the bond beam, the plurality of vertical rebars comprising a plurality of pairs of vertical rebars, a respective top end pair of each respective pair of vertical rebars being confined inside a respective protruded part of the plurality of protruded parts and a respective bottom end pair of each respective pair of vertical rebars being confined inside a respective hole of the plurality of holes; a plurality of horizontal rebars extended parallel with each other between the two concrete columns, the plurality of horizontal rebars comprising a plurality of pairs of horizontal rebars, each respective pair of horizontal rebars located and fastened onto two sides of a respective transverse section of the mesh network; a plurality of U-shaped fasteners fastening the plurality of vertical rebars, the plurality of horizontal rebars, and the mesh network together, each respective U-shaped fastener enclosing a respective transverse section of the mesh network along with a pair of vertical rebars of the plurality of vertical rebars and a pair of horizontal rebars of the plurality of horizontal rebars located at both sides of the respective transverse section at a comer of the armed scaffold; an insulator layer with a thickness in a range of 2 mm to 10 cm located along the height of the armed scaffold in parallel with the longitudinal section of the mesh network, the insulator layer having a width equal to the width of the armed scaffold and a height equal to the height of the armed scaffold; and a plurality of transverse connectors extending along the thickness of the armed scaffold passing transversely through the construction wall, the insulator layer, the mesh network, and the barbed wire, the plurality of transverse connectors interlocking the construction wall, the insulator layer, the mesh network, and the barbed wire together, wherein the construction wall comprises at least one of a concrete wall, a rammed earth wall, and combinations thereof.