www.earthbagbuilding.com/pdf/NEA%20...Journal.pdf
Abstract, Nepal Engineers' Association Technical Journal, 2015
Earthbag technology is an inexpensive, simple and sustainable method for building structures. Having evolved from military bunker construction and flood control methods, Earthbag buildings are notable for their ability to endure fire, flood, wind, earthquake and vermin, and are used in disaster-prone zones all over the world. In Nepal, all 55 Earthbag buildings survived a 7.8 magnitude earthquake with no structural damage. Because Earthbag technology makes minimal use of cement, concrete, steel and timber, and the fuel needed to transport them. This technique is easy on the environment, and doesn’t deplete scarce natural resources. Earthbag technology also requires less expertise than other traditional building methods, and only the simplest of tools.