Travelling somewhere with nature and lots of dirt?
Want to bring home a unique souvenir that isn't overpriced plastic or a random rock that will get lost somewhere? Try creating yourself a souvenir: a rammed earth wall. Now you have an everlasting connection to the land you were on and a new, aesthetically pleasing, and natural-looking piece of decoration. It's a perfect conversation starter and a way to preserve memories. Use the patterns, colours, and composition as a form of creative expression. This can also be an educational experience for kids. From understanding the optimal soil ratios to learning about different types of terrains, this project offers an opportunity for hands-on learning and experimentation.
The dirt samples in this example originate from various points on and around Vancouver Island.
Ingredients for Your Rammed Earth Souvenir Wall
What makes these two dirt samples different colours?
The colour of dirt, or soil, is influenced by various factors, including the composition of minerals, organic matter content, and the presence of certain chemicals. Here are some of the key factors that affect the colour of soil to consider when creating your rammed earth wall souvenir.
Mineral Composition: Different minerals in the soil can impart distinct colours. For example, the presence of iron oxides can give the soil a red or orange colour, while organic matter may contribute to a darker hue.
Organic Matter: The amount of organic material in the soil can influence its colour. Soils rich in organic matter tend to be darker, ranging from brown to black.
Moisture Content: The moisture level in the soil can affect its color. Wet soil often appears darker than dry soil. This is because water fills the pore spaces between soil particles and can influence the reflection of light.
Aeration: Well-aerated soils tend to be more oxidized, which can affect the colour. Poorly aerated soils may have reduced iron, leading to a gray or greenish colour.
Parent Material: The type of rock or parent material from which the soil is derived can impact its colour. Different geological formations contain distinct minerals that contribute to soil colour.
pH Level: The pH level of the soil, which measures its acidity or alkalinity, can influence colour. Acidic soils may have a reddish or yellowish tint due to the presence of iron oxides, while alkaline soils may have a more neutral colour.
Climate: Climate conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, can affect the weathering of minerals in the soil. Weathering processes can alter the colour of soil over time.
Biological Activity: The activity of microorganisms and other soil organisms can influence the decomposition of organic matter, affecting soil colour. For example, the breakdown of plant material can contribute to the darkening of soil.
Human Activities: Human activities, such as agriculture, construction, or contamination, can introduce new materials to the soil, influencing its colour.
How to:
Materials
Labeled containers for dirt collection from each area, aiding in location tracking through pictures taken at the site, utilizing your phone's GPS.
Mixing bowl.
Portland cement.
Process
Arrange a workstation with labelled containers, forms equipped with clamps, a mixing bowl, and a measuring cup.
Mix dirt, cement, and water until reaching the desired ***consistency, aiming for a ratio of about 15% cement.
Layer the mixture in increments of 3-4 handfuls at a time, diligently ramming down each layer to ensure proper compaction.
Leave form intact for 4-5 days inside somewhere dry and warm
Carefully remove clamps and walls (most likely will be stuck so gently tap form until it falls away)
Outcome
*** I wish I would have left it as is, encased it with glass, plexi, or plastic as the colours and separation of layers were so vibrant... but I didn't ****
Finish
1. I tried fibre glassing
2. Then I tried Modge Podge
The Final Outcome
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