posted 2 years ago
If you have groundwater 5' below the surface (and potential flood issues), a moisture break below the walls and floor is essential. Earth bags would make fine wicks, and in case of a flood, keep the structure damp for maybe months. If you have tires on hand, I would use them for the first couple-few layers at least to isolate your floor from damp. An actual vapor barrier would also help.
Earth bag walls would be much heavier than your current structure, and demand significant footings. Do you have rock available for a rubble trench? Is there any slope to your building site? What is the climate and frost depth?