In situ mechanical investigation of rammed earth: Calibration of minor destructive testing

• An experimental study using minor destructive techniques is presented.
• The stress could be estimated using simple flat jack and hole drilling tests.
• The existence of large aggregates complicates the applicability of hole drilling.
• Double flat jack and pressuremeter tests allow estimating the compressive strength.
• Less performing results were obtained for the modulus of elasticity.

This paper was written with the awareness that no literature was available on the mechanical investigation of earthen buildings through minor destructive testing. The different aspects of the research were analysed through specific methods: a rammed earth test wall was built and minor destructive techniques such as flat jack, hole-drilling, and mini-pressuremeter were employed for evaluating its mechanical characteristics. Simple compressive testing was performed on cylindrical samples. The main purpose of the paper is to be used as a reference for future research, but also to be employed in practical terms in conservation work.