The compressive strength of rammed earth is a maximum of . This is less than that of concrete but more than sufficiently strong for domestic edifices . Indeed , properly constructed rammed earth endures for thousands of years , as many ancient structures that are still standing around the world demonstrate . Rammed earth reinforced with rebar , wood , or bamboo can prevent collapse caused by earthquakes or heavy storms , because unreinforced edifices of rammed earth resist earthquake damage extremely poorly . See 1960 Agadir earthquake for an example of the total destruction which may be inflicted on such structures by an earthquake . Adding cement to soil mixtures poor in clay can also increase the load-bearing capacity of rammed-earth edifices . The United States Department of Agriculture observed in 1925 that rammed-earth structures endure indefinitely and can be constructed for less than two-thirds of the cost of standard frame houses
1960 Agadir earthquake
1960 Agadir earthquake
Rammed earth