Description

This Standard provides structural engineers with criteria for designing earth walls (up to 6.5m high) using adobe, rammed earth, poured earth, and pressed bricks.

It updates 1998 standards to include lower-density materials, modern seismic performance data, and enhanced sustainability, aligned with NZ Building Code requirements.

Scope

This standard specifically covers the structural engineering design, focusing on seismic performance and out-of-plane/in-plane loading resistance.

It adopts methodologies similar to reinforced masonry and concrete design, assuming familiarity with these techniques, but tailored for the unique properties of earth.

The standard includes findings from post-earthquake surveys in NZ to improve resilience, supporting sustainable, low-carbon building.