Microclimatic Effects and Durability of Surface Soil Materials in Fujian Tulou Rammed-Earth Wall

Research reveals that the durability of rammed-earth walls in Fujian Tulou is significantly influenced by microclimatic conditions, with solar radiation and wind speed correlating to particle size variation. The study found that southeast and north-facing walls exhibit severe degradation, including soil loss and quartz enrichment (79.9%), while traditional organic additives like bamboo strips and rice husks mitigate deterioration. Moisture-related moss growth on the east wall and slight salt crystallization on the north wall were also observed. Soil color diversity, linked to hematite and iron oxide, serves as a simple indicator of wall condition. The findings propose differentiated protection schemes for orientation-specific conservation, offering scientific guidance for preserving Tulou heritage and modifying modern rammed-earth materials.

Yan, L., Zeng, H., Yin, J., Zhang, Y., & Jia, X. (2026). Microclimatic Effects and Durability of Surface Soil Materials in Fujian Tulou Rammed-Earth Wall. Coatings, 16(3), 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16030301