'Sandcastle' key to green future

Published on 03/06/2009 20:18

SANDCASTLES could hold the key to reviving a forgotten eco-friendly building technique.

As every child at the seaside knows, a little water is needed to keep a sandcastle standing up.

In the same way, the strength of "rammed earth" – a "green" construction material made from sand, gravel and clay – depends on its water content, scientists say.

The use of rammed earth is growing in popularity as a sustainable building method. Typically it is moistened and compacted within a supporting framework. The technique was developed in ancient China around 4,000 years ago.