How to Build an Earthbag Dome

Step 2 Earthbag Foundation

Use the same earthbag foundation building technique described in previous Instructables. This includes poly bags, double-bagged for strength, filled with gravel to prevent wicking moisture into upper courses. The bags sit directly on the rubble trench. Build the buttresses at the same time, in the same way. After the two gravel bag courses are finished, add soil around the sides of the dome and tamp solid to prevent the bags from moving.

Comments

[supershot1]

how much are the earthbags alone??

[theshedlife]

about 12 hours a day?

[Owen Geiger]

Not sure what you're saying. I sure don't work outside 12 hours a day. Most of my time is spent researching, writing and designing houses. The earthbag dome was finished a little at a time on weekends.

[Owen Geiger]

You have to shop around just like anything. Prices range from 6 cents (our latest price for recycled bags in new condition) up to 45 cents or so each.

[bvis]

Ahhh the bottom rung is the only one with Gravel. The rest is earth. Very nice.

[Owen Geiger]

The bottom two courses of bags are filled with gravel. This photo shows the 2nd course.

[poza]

why not use gravel for all the courses? is there a benefit (other than $$) to using soil on the upper courses?

[Owen Geiger]

You can use gravel bags to get above where moisture can cause damage, but too high and then the wall becomes unstable.