Increased environmental and energy concerns have renewed global interest in raw earth as a building material. Low-energy requirements, low-cost, high availability at construction sites, and favorable engineering properties make (EBMs) an attractive alternative to conventional cement-based construction materials. Though the use of native binders to improve soil properties has garnered attention in recent literature, the available knowledge has not been covered in a single document. This book highlights the key soil properties that determine the mechanical performance of earthen building materials, importance of unsaturated soil mechanics in the engineering behavior of earthen building materials, the different types of stabilizers used to improve the engineering performance of earthen building materials including the use of select native binders, the characteristics of compressed earth blocks stabilized with cement and cement + wood ash additives and the improvement in the engineering properties of adobes stabilized with plant fibers and cow dung.

New Materials in Civil Engineering provides engineers and scientists with the tools and methods needed to meet the challenge of designing and constructing more resilient and sustainable infrastructures. This book is a valuable guide to the properties, selection criteria, products, applications, lifecycle and recyclability of advanced materials. It presents an A-to-Z approach to all types of materials, highlighting their key performance properties, principal characteristics and applications. Traditional materials covered include concrete, soil, steel, timber, fly ash, geosynthetic, fiber-reinforced concrete, smart materials, carbon fiber and reinforced polymers. In addition, the book covers nanotechnology and biotechnology in the development of new materials. - Covers a variety of materials, including fly ash, geosynthetic, fiber-reinforced concrete, smart materials, carbon fiber reinforced polymer and waste materials - Provides a "one-stop resource of information for the latest materials and practical applications - Includes a variety of different use case studies

This book comprises select proceedings of the annual conference of the Indian Geotechnical Society. The conference brings together research and case histories on various aspects of geotechnical engineering and geoenvironmental engineering. The book presents papers on geotechnical applications and case histories, covering topics such as (i) shallow and deep foundations; (ii) stability of earth and earth retaining structures; (iii) rock engineering, tunneling, and underground constructions; (iv) forensic investigations and case histories; (v) reliability in geotechnical engineering; and (vi) special topics such as offshore geotechnics, remote sensing and GIS, geotechnical education, codes, and standards. The contents of this book will be of interest to researchers and practicing engineers alike.

The construction of earth buildings has been taking place worldwide for centuries. With the improved energy efficiency, high level of structural integrity and aesthetically pleasing finishes achieved in modern earth construction, it is now one of the leading choices for sustainable, low-energy building. Modern earth buildings provides an essential exploration of the materials and techniques key to the design, development and construction of such buildings.Beginning with an overview of modern earth building, part one provides an introduction to design and construction issues including insulation, occupant comfort and building codes. Part two goes on to investigate materials for earth buildings, before building technologies are explored in part three including construction techniques for earth buildings. Modern earth structural engineering is the focus of part four, including the creation of earth masonry structures, use of structural steel elements and design of natural disaster-resistant earth buildings. Finally, part five of Modern earth buildings explores the application of modern earth construction through international case studies.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Modern earth buildings is a key reference work for all low-impact building engineers, architects and designers, along with academics in this field. - Provides an essential exploration of the materials and techniques key to the design, development and construction of modern earth buildings - Comprehensively discusses design and construction issues, materials for earth buildings, construction techniques and modern earth structural engineering, among other topics - Examines the application of modern earth construction through international case studies

The purpose of this manual is to provide clear and helpful information for maintaining gravel roads. Very little technical help is available to small agencies that are responsible for managing these roads. Gravel road maintenance has traditionally been "more of an art than a science" and very few formal standards exist. This manual contains guidelines to help answer the questions that arise concerning gravel road maintenance such as: What is enough surface crown? What is too much? What causes corrugation? The information is as nontechnical as possible without sacrificing clear guidelines and instructions on how to do the job right.