Because I do not work in "mud" as a primary focus, and because I have real concerns with many of the "earth based," structures I see rapidly growing in popularity, I was not sure how to respond to this post.
Jeff S. did the best of all thus far, (bravo Jeff.) My focus has always been on the more traditional applications of "earth architecture," and what often concerns me is the recommendation folks make (and I have made in the past) about "mix ratios." There is just so much more to it than that. Clay type, aggarget type, fiber type, etc. all effect the matrix you are trying to achieve, and we haven't even discussed the design application of the architecture yet. I am not worried about building falling down and hurting folks (yet) but very concerned that too many DYIers are jumping into this earth architecture thinking it is just a simple process of digging up some clay mud, following what appears to be simple directions, and building a wall for their project, (which is actually how I have heard several folks describe the process!) In many ways it is simple, but that misconception could (is?) leading this craft down some rabbit holes that I worry me about architectural endurance and ultimately safety.
Please read as many
books on this subject as you can, and if at all possible, take a
workshop from a "seasoned mudder" that has at least 10 years of
experience designing, and facilitating successful earth architecture. I have been in the traditional building arts for over thirty five years, and I would not tackle one of these "full mud" structures without a co-facilitator of that experience level.
Regards,
jay
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