Construção Com Terra: Passado E Futuro

Abstract

This paper presents a research developed with the objectiveof analyzing the use of earth construction in cities of the European (Portugal, France and Germany) and African (Morocco) continents, identifying the documented historical construction techniques and the current technical standards. Inorder to fulfill this objective, it was carried out the photographic record of some constructions, gathering documentary information, construction techniques and current normative standards. The following steps were necessary: constitution of the theoretical referential, visit, photographic record and acquisition of documentation about buildings and earth construction techniques in Portugal, France, Germany and Morocco. It was possible to identify the evolution of the construction technique and perspectives from the point of view of sustainability. The main techniques identified were half-timber construction (mixed technique), adobes and rammed earth, as well as earth cladding and screeds, usually combined with wooden structures. Earthhas the potential to be one of the materials used in more sustainable construction, but weaknesses can be identified in the use of the techniques.