by Mauro Sassu, Ignasio Ngoma
This type of construction is used for residences only. The building technique consists of in-situ ramming of moist soil in a carefully aligned/placed mold. The mold dimensions are between (250 – 300 mm) wide X (400 – 450 mm) long X (200 – 300 mm) height. The plan of the house is rectangular. The roof is either grass thatch or iron sheets supported on timber poles. This type is found in all three regions of Malawi. The strength of the wall is low and depends on the compacting effort applied. The expected seismic performance is poor. There are no vertical or horizontal reinforcements.
World Housing Encyclopedia
an EERI and IAEE project