Humidity and clay earthbags, wee!

Ugh. It's Arkansas, YALL! NW region specifically, (The Ozarks, I proudly declare!) here, the Boston plateau and the some of these quite elderly 'mountains' are eroded and beautifully dilapidated. They also run east/west somewhat what perpendicular to our north easterly trade winds.

The result? Huge boulders and really cool micro climates and pockets and etc. Some places it's down right temperate jungle i like to say. Like the place of our first attempt at earth bag.

Is this just flat out unsuitable for earthbag? Are there any tricks of the trade that I have yet to hear of? We have loads of local lime and clay and sand isn't terribly scarce.

We had a lime, sand, and clay mix with a touch of Portland cement. It was mostly lime aggregate mix (sand size up to 1" range) and clay. If my memory serves  15% pc? Is this a viable option?

Part B: dew point and condensation... Do I just insulate the inside with foam or something to inhibit this or do I just get more ventilation?

I'm fairly novice but I've read a fair amount elsewhere but what does the righteously resilient and adapting permie group think?

Thanks
Brett

We're in the Ozarks, too (Southwest Missouri brand)! Interested to hear what others have to say. ♡

Brett M. Scott wrote:Ugh. It's Arkansas, YALL! NW region specifically, (The Ozarks, I proudly declare!) here, the Boston plateau and the some of these quite elderly 'mountains' are eroded and beautifully dilapidated. They also run east/west somewhat what perpendicular to our north easterly trade winds.

The result? Huge boulders and really cool micro climates and pockets and etc. Some places it's down right temperate jungle i like to say. Like the place of our first attempt at earth bag.

Is this just flat out unsuitable for earthbag? Are there any tricks of the trade that I have yet to hear of? We have loads of local lime and clay and sand isn't terribly scarce.

We had a lime, sand, and clay mix with a touch of Portland cement. It was mostly lime aggregate mix (sand size up to 1" range) and clay. If my memory serves  15% pc? Is this a viable option?

Part B: dew point and condensation... Do I just insulate the inside with foam or something to inhibit this or do I just get more ventilation?

I'm fairly novice but I've read a fair amount elsewhere but what does the righteously resilient and adapting permie group think?


Thanks
Brett

It sounds like you have all of the appropriate ingredients for filling earthbags. You don't want any more than about 30% clay. If it forms good solid blocks that don't expand or contract, you should be fine.

It is generally best to place any insulation on the outside, where the thermal mass can help regulate interior temperature. In Arkansas underground temperatures run about 64 degrees F., so to the extent that you are able to take advantage of this by berming or going underground this will help moderate temperatures. Also, earth has an amazing ability to deal with humidity naturally, absorbing a considerable amount before problems arise.