The First International Conference on Earthen Construction (ICEC 2022), hosted by Université Gustave Eiffel in March 2022, highlighted the growing body of research supporting earth as a sustainable construction material. The event brought together nearly two hundred researchers, academics, and engineers, who shared their expertise and engaged in scientific discussions on the performance and potential of earthen materials. Building on this success, the Second ICEC was held in July 2024 at The University of Edinburgh, further strengthening the global network of earthen construction researchers and fostering new collaborations within the community.
The Third ICEC will take place in July 2026 at NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal. Continuing the mission of the series, the conference will provide a platform for presenting cutting-edge research across a wide range of topics related to earthen construction. It aims to further expand the international research network, attract new members to the RILEM technical committees on earthen materials, and identify emerging opportunities for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
The ICEC series has been organized as a RILEM event since its inception. This third edition is proudly co-sponsored by ICOMOS-SCEAH and PROTERRA, reinforcing its multidisciplinary and international character.
To broaden participation, one session will be conducted in Portuguese and Spanish, with accompanying materials provided in English.
The conference aims to gather the international scientific community on earthen construction.
We welcome academic and industrial contributions to the usage of earthen-based building materials.
Contribution from authors on the following topics is encouraged:
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Architecture and cultural heritage
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Durability and fire resistance
- natural weathering, artificial durability testing, freeze/thaw, performance when in contact with water, exposure to extreme temperatures, effect of surface coatings and treatments
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Hygrothermal and comfort
- air quality, acoustic comfort, thermal properties, water vapor permeability, moisture buffering, in situ related monitoring and related numerical simulation
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Life cycle and circular economy
- environmental and economic impacts, reusability, recyclability, use of wastes and byproducts
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Mechanical performance and structural design
- quality control, seismic performance, in situ related testing and related numerical simulation
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Rheology, processing and 3D printing
- additive manufacturing, digital construction, early age properties (including drying and shrinkage)
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Stabilization methods
- biostabilization, addition of binders, admixtures and aggregates, removal of earth fractions
