Hi Folks! Newbie here with some questions about earthbagging in Vermont.
I understand that it is a very labor intensive process and I am prepared for that. I am planning on using hyper adobe with the Raschel bags that one can order from bagsupplies.ca
I would like to make an earthbag dome in the style that you don't have to angle them inwards to make a perfect half circle dome, but rather the pointy type.
My intent on building this dome is to cover it with earth, maybe 3 ft thick at the thinnest point.
A question I have is if it is possible at all to make a dome, 26' feet in diameter? I thought that you could only do that with a bag that when filled is 26" wide after being tamped? Also, how much do I have to corbel over the edge of the bottom layer to make the shape of the dome I am looking for? This is the calculator I have used that leaves me at odds with what I would like to do.
http://www.terra-form.org/tools/earthbagdomecalc.html
Also, would the 3+ feet of earth covering the dome keep the dome warm in the chilly Vermont winters? We have 48" of annual rainfall where I am located, what would be the best way to keep the water that soaks through the living roof, from permeating into my earthbags and leaking into the house? I have heard breathability is a must for earthbags. Someone mentioned putting a thin coat of bentonite clay on the bags themselves would be best. Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much my fellow earthbaggers! Sam
