How to /the basics
Want to know how to make your own rammed earth block?
This step by step guide will walk you through what you need (not much), and what to do with your tool and materials
What you'll need
Dirt
Forming
Water
Oil
Bowl
Rammer
Clamps
Board
What type of dirt?
Rammed earth uses subsoil, which is the layer of soil just below topsoil. It often still contains some broken-down organic matter but is mostly broken-down rocks and clay minerals. The ideal ratio for rammed earth is 30-40% clays and 60-70% sands, gravels and fines. However, when creating for the temporary this percentage is not necessary. Either way, it is still beneficial to know the clay content you are working with.
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How to test it?
Add your dirt to a jar about 1/3rd of the way. Fill the rest with water and shake vigorously. When the contents of the jar have been thoroughly mixed together allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. After which you will see the separation of clay, silt and sand from top to bottom.
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Where to get it?
The soil is found 2-3 feet deep. You may not want to dig down to acquire enough subsoil for building a large-scale landscape sculpture. Look to Facebook marketplace or Craigslist and there is usually someone giving out dirt for free.
All things dirt
Clay
Silt
Sand
Clay
Silt
Sand
The guide
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Setting up
1. Set up your station with floor protection, dirt, water, a bowl, a board, vegetable oil, a form (this one is 6" x 6.5" x 10"), two clamps (min), and a rammer.
2. Oil the insides of the form that will be touching dirt.
3. Put the four wooden pieces together and place clamps on either side 1/3 of the way from the bottom. Don't tighten all the way. Ensure the pieces of wood on the inside are flush with the form.
Dirt Mixture
4. Scoop dirt and place in your mixing bowl
5. Mix it around dry and use your hands to remove rocks, and crush bits of hardened dirt
6. Add water and mix with your hands
7. To test ideal consistency pick up some in your hand, squeeze, and if it stays together in a clump it is ready to be rammed
Earth Ramming
8. Dump 2-3 cups into your form, or about 2-3 inches worth of dirt for a form of this size
9. Use your hand to even the dirt out in the form
10. When ramming start by lightly tapping the top of the dirt layer, starting at the corners and edges, and continuing into the middle. Again start at a corner and ram (firmly) 4-5 times and slowly move around the outside and then towards the middle
Remove and Dry
11. Remove clamps
12. Using the rammer as a mallet and tap the sides of the form off lightly
13. If indoors allow 2-3 days to dry