rammed earth panel GUIDE
If you have additional questions, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page
hiding seamlines:
To soften the look of the 1/4” seamlines between panels, we recommend a color-matched sanded grout to create a more seamless effect from panel to panel, such is the case with the Stadium TechCenter project. However, since these are panels, they will never appear perfectly seamless.
mounting method:
These panels are floor mounted, with a steel frame on the back of each one for attachment to existing structures/framing. Your contractor will need to attach our provided steel clips to your structural wall and the frame will slide onto these. The steel frame keeps the panel from falling forward, while the weight of the panels are sitting on top of each other onto the floor load. If you would like a “floating” panel look, you can attach a carrier plate/angle iron to your structure for the panels to sit on, as we did with the Reformation Melrose project. Our steel frames can be attached to steel, concrete, and wooden studs/beams.
panel adjustments in field:
With a proper diamond concrete blade and a saw capable of cutting the 3” thick panel, our panels are cuttable. In fact, we encourage contractors to order the standard size panel and cut-to-fit if there are multiple custom areas of the project. However, this may affect the frame attachment method. We can also make custom sizes if your project doesn’t fit our standard sized panels.
required engineering:
Our engineering covers the attachment of the frame to the panel and the rammed earth panel casting itself, as well as the clip to the frame. We do not cover the engineering of the attachment to the structure the panels are being attached to or ensure the floor load capacity limits of your project.
striation lines:
When pouring the panels, we line them up on the production floor so we can do our best to transition from one panel to the next, but the beauty of the panels is that they are individually hand tamped making it so that no two panels are identical.
stacking panels:
Our max panel height is 5 feet high. When stacking higher than ~20’, with four panels, we recommend the next group of panels be supported by a carrier plate that is integrated into the structure to support the weight of the next four panels and so on.
preparing your structure:
The wall should be free of any obstructions/protrusions. Our submittals come with details on our steel frame mount method. However, the client is responsible for ensuring a suitable structure has been engineered to handle the weight loads on the structure and the floor load capacity.
panel sizes:
Our standard panels are 12’ L x 5’ H and around 3” thick. Custom sizes can be as long as 12’ or smaller, though our height is capped at 5’H and thickness at 3”. Our most cost effective panel size is our standard panel size: 12’ L x 3” W x 5’ H
Panel weight:
The approximate weight of a standard panel is 2200lbs, which includes the steel frame mounted on the back. You can account for around 40lbs/SF if trying to calculate the weight of a custom sized panel.
samples:
Please visit our samples page if shipping within the USA. If desiring a larger sample size or delivery outside the USA, please reach out to us via Contact Us to get a quote.
panel maintenance:
Interior panels have little to no maintenance. If panels are outside and exposed to the elements, your panels will have manufacturer applied sealers and should be resealed every 5 to 7 years, similar to a concrete panel, for best results.
lead times:
Lead times hover around 3 months, though it can vary from project to project and is based on our production schedule and availability of materials are our local quarries. If you have a strict deadline, please reach out to us with your project to see if we can meet your necessary lead time.
freeze/thaw conditions:
We are currently undergoing tests for freeze/thaw environments. For that environment, each panel would be sealed using two different types of sealers: a barricade siloxane penetrates and reacts with the molecular concrete and a regular acrylic emulsion-based penetrating sealer that will also soak in, but seals differently. Alternatively, we can add a specialty waterproofing admixture internally to your mix design.
WARRANTY:
Each panel comes with a two year warranty against defects in material and workmanship, under normal service and use, from original date of delivery. Damage incurred from vandalism, misuse and "acts of God" are not covered. Any repair and / or replacement of product shall be at the sole discretion of Rammed Earth Works.”
FAQS
ARE YOUR PANELS STRUCTURAL?
Our panels are not structural and are only to be used as a cladding or façade system.
do you install these panels?
At this time, we do not offer installation on our rammed earth panels. We do not have a list of “approved contractors” but any masonry subcontractor should be able to handle these.
do you deliver internationally?
We deliver worldwide to your delivery port of choice. Keep in mind we do not offload or install the panels. Email us for more information at our Contact Us page.
Can you make other items with rammed earth?
Yes! If you desire any rammed earth signs, site furnishings, and seat walls, feel free to reach out to us if you have a unique project in mind. Please email us on our Contact Us page.
Can you make the panels thinner?
At this time, our panel thickness is only available in 3” to maintain structural integrity of our panels across their 12’ span.
What is the compressive strength of the panels?
Each project goes through its own mix design and testing for compressive strength. However, our average compressive strength is around 1,800 to 2100 PSI.
How green is rammed earth?
Our products are the definition of up-cycling. All of the dirt, sands and compounds are waste products/by-products of mining and rock crushing. The process of manufacturing rammed earth uses 60% less cement than traditional concrete panels.
Can I use soil from my property?
First, please note that we no longer manufacture pour-in-place structural walls for homes. For our panels, we would typically advise against using on-site soil because it has to be tested to ensure it contains the correct compounds. Using soil from a project location would also require that it be shipped to our manufacturing plant which would result in extra freight costs.
Do you make pour-in-place 18” thick structural walls on-site?
While Rammed Earth Works has made these in the past, we are no longer producing pour-in-place structural walls.
How are these panels shipped?
If ordering within the United Sates, they are shipped via flatbed freight trucks, within a panel carrier that ensures the panels are not damaged during transit. If ordering internationally, they will be packaged along an A-frame carrier inside of a shipping container to be shipped to your port of choice.
How can panels be moved?
We recommend using heavy lifting and rigging equipment to ensure the panels can be moved without being damaged. We’ve seen these moved with a forklift, a rolling carrier with people, or a crane. Always consult your rigging company when choosing equipment for your project.
How do you recommend offloading the panels from the delivery truck?
For standard panels, we recommend Telehandler Reach Forklifts/Standard Forklifts capable of lifting up to 2500 pounds (for a standard panel size). You can also use a crane, if desired. Always consult your rigging company when choosing equipment for your project.
do you have LEFTOVER PANELS IN STOCK AT A DISCOUNT?
Certain projects leave us with some leftover inventory. If you’d like to see what’s available to purchase, please inquire for a stock check via our Contact Us page.
what’s YOUR minimum project size?
We have sold clients 1 panel! Prices are more cost effective at higher quantities but we can absolutely work with you if you have a small project.
If you have any questions or want more information, please reach out to us!