Design of compressed stabilized earthen wall systems for high-wind resistant residential unit construction

Compressed and stabilized earthen masonry (CSEM) offers a sustainable, affordable, and locally appropriate alternative to traditional residential construction. In a National Science Foundation funded project carried out by the authors, the suitability of engineered earthen construction in high-wind climates as the main wind force resisting system (MWFRS) is investigated. The fundamental research program includes experimental investigations on the material properties of cement stabilized earth blocks, mortars, and assemblies. However, the particular subject of this paper is the remaining research gap with respect to available design processes and construction details in material-specific and general design codes and guidelines. In this project, this gap in knowledge is addressed by using the experimentally determined material characteristics and traditional reinforced masonry design methods to develop high-wind resistant wall systems using CSEM. Various reinforced double wythe CSEM wall system alternatives are proposed with roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections and wall section details. Also, due to CSEM assemblies not meeting minimum strength requirements, bond beam designs made of CSEB units and CMU are proposed.