^  KEEP WATER AWAY

Build the floor up,
or dig a ditch above.

v    CURVE CORNERS
pin with rebar, or add piers.

^ALTERNATE LAYERS
OF BAGS & WIRE

Stagger bags like bricks.

^   BRACE STRAIGHT WALLS every 10-12' /
3-4m with intersecting
walls or buttresses.

v   STIFFEN THE TOP
of  square plans with a connected bond beam of metal, wood, or concrete. Top circles with a single tube of earth & cement.

^       SEPARATE
OPENINGS
at least 36" / 1m
from corners,
30" /0.8m from other
openings, 18" / 0.5m
from piers.

<    COVER BAG WALLS. Use earth plaster under roof overhangs or in dry climates. On exposed walls use a protective topcoat, embed tile or pebbles in earth plaster, use lime plaster or cement plaster on sandy earthbag fill. Cover temporary walls with tarps or plaster to prolong use beyond 1-2 months.

Buildings don't have to be expensive to be strong. Earthbag buildings can be earthquake, hurricane, and flood resistant. Photos of existing buildings and detailed information about building techniques are at www.earthbagbuilding.com , with links to free plans for housing and shelters.                                                                                                                                  3-2-2010