Geotechnique Symposium in Print 2011: The theme of this symposium blends together two areas of research which relate to the effects of suction and partial saturation on soil behaviour and the study of compaction as a method of soil improvement. The recurring interest in these areas of research, together with the recent increase in the number of international conferences dedicated to unsaturated soils, is a clear indication of the continued relevance of this theme to the geotechnical profession. Contributions to this symposium show that recent developments of experimental techniques and modelling tools have enhanced our understanding of unsaturated soil mechanics and have resulted in the formulation of conceptual material frameworks that are applicable to different categories of soils. Nevertheless, the impact of such advances on engineering practice is yet to be seen. The research included in this book can definitely contribute to closing the gap between research and practice by facilitating dissemination of our current knowledge of unsaturated soil mechanics. This knowledge has the potential to enhance the sustainability of current building practices by extending the use of locally sourced soils and, in general, to improve design of earth structures with consequent gains in safety and cost.

This book presents the work done by the RILEM Technical Committee 274-TCE. It focuses on the estimation of the parameters which are necessary to properly design earthen constructions. It provides a compilation of the value classically obtained for the key parameters of earthen materials, a pedagogical presentation of the main testing procedures for earthen materials, their advantage and their drawback and an overview of most standards on earthen materials, whatever their origin and their language.The book is divided into eight chapters. After a general introduction on earthen materials and constructions, the state of the art on the material characterisation technics, the assessment of hygrothermal performance, the mechanical behaviour, seismic resistance and the durability will be presented, each in a dedicated chapter. On the basis of these last chapters, a critical review of the standards which are used for earthen material will be presented in the last chapter. The last chapter is dedicated to the analysis of the environmental potential of earth-based building materials.