Would bags filled with rice hulls be ok to use for a bermed structure?
I would rather see rice hulls used above grade, since moisture and stability could be issues… Ponds, Pools and Cisterns Q: Is it possible to build water cisterns using earthbags? The idea being that one would construct a large cylindrical earthbag structure with a dome cap atop. If it is possible to build something like this how would one seal the interior so that the water would not seep or the walls would not need constant maintenance i.e. re-application of lime plaster. Is it possible to build this structure both above ground and below? A: Yes, this has been successfully done, either above or below grade. The easiest way to seal such a cistern is with plastic sheeting, either heavy duty polyethylene or commercial pond liners. It is also possible to use a cement-rich stucco that is virtually waterproof…and there are various coatings that can also be applied.
I would rather see rice hulls used above grade, since moisture and stability could be issues… Q: I am looking for an economical way to build an underground woodworking workshop in my backyard. The earthbag technique is very attractive to me because of cost. Originally I wanted a 12′ by 30′ structure with vaulted roof but I understand that the dome shape is easier and more stable. I am looking for a way to do this without spending more than about $1000. If the walls are about 7 to 8′ tall (with slight inward curve) before making the dome top (no more than 60 degrees from horizontal), and the structure is buried on all sides up to the 7′ or 8′ walls with about one foot of dirt on top, what kind of reinforcement would I need? A: Unfortunately, there aren’t very many examples of buried earthbag structures to learn from, but one that I know of is shown at http://earthbagbuilding.com/projects/mendome.htm. I’m not sure exactly how much soil was placed on this, but I suspect it was less that
