Experimental Investigation of a C-Shaped Rammed Earth Sub-Assembly under Monotonic Lateral Loading

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a scaled C-shaped rammed earth wall subjected to displacement-controlled monotonic lateral loading. The specimen was constructed using traditional manual compaction of soil containing 2% lime and tested under significant vertical load. Full-field deformation measurement and localized instrumentation captured the non-linear response, including the onset of cracking at 0.2% drift, progressive stiffness degradation and base slippage. Combined failure due to shear– and bending was observed. The results provide new experimental data on the seismic behavior of in-plane earth structures and contribute to the knowledge base needed for future numerical modelling and design of traditional rammed earth structures.