Sumi Siddiqua, a Civil Engineering Professor and Lead Researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Advanced Geomaterials Testing Lab, is pioneering research into rammed earth construction as a sustainable building practice. Her team at UBC Okanagan is revitalizing ancient building techniques by incorporating modern sustainable additives, aiming to enhance the environmental footprint and resilience of construction materials.
Rammed earth construction utilizes locally sourced earthen materials, minimizing reliance on virgin resources. Siddiqua highlights the use of wood fly ash, a byproduct from pulp mills, and coal fly ash from power plants, as viable alternatives. These materials, often destined for landfills, possess similar strength and texture properties to cement and are being explored for their potential in enhancing the strength and insulation of building structures.
Siddiqua emphasizes the environmental benefits of using fly ash, noting its role in reducing sand exploitation and its resilience against wildfires compared to conventional wooden structures. The integration of fly ash into rammed earth not only improves material properties but also addresses concerns over construction sand shortages, particularly significant in regions like British Columbia.
Collaborating with BC Housing and Indigenous communities, Siddiqua’s team is advancing the adoption of rammed earth in new home construction. They are testing fly ash-enriched composites for load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications, focusing on their suitability across diverse climates, from cold to hot regions.
Looking ahead, Siddiqua envisions further advancements through large-scale laboratory testing to simulate real-world conditions and explore the potential for carbon capture and storage within rammed earth materials. Supported by grants from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, this research underscores the growing global demand for sustainable building solutions.
In conclusion, Siddiqua anticipates that continued research and development will promote wider acceptance of rammed earth as a viable structural material, contributing to sustainable construction practices both in Canada and globally.
