For an SRE mix, water is added  until the mix can compact into a ball without breaking apart. When the ball is dropped, or broken up by the fingers, it breaks apart into small pieces of clumped parts. A mix that is too dry will be difficult to compact while a mix that is too wet will be impossible to compact. Many rammed earth builders develop a feel for the mix knowing by color and texture when the mix is ready. The matter is further complicated by the way slightly wet and slightly dry mixes compact. A slightly wet mix compacted hard will ten to create a smooth marble like texture at its top, while a slightly dry mix compacted more lightly will create a rougher sandstone like texture.

Please log in to rate this.
0 people found this helpful.

Category: Secrets of the Mix