We would like to fill the below ground earthbags with rocks to avoid freezing and thawing and frost heave. Would you agree?
The conventional wisdom is to actually dig a “rubble trench” that goes below frost level to avoid any possibility of frost heaving. The need for this depends of the soil type and climatic conditions at the site. If you have clay soils, or other soils that don’t drain well or are susceptible to frost heave, then this is a good idea. You don’t need to use the bags for this foundation; just fill the trench with cobbles, and then start with the bags near the ground level. The Riceland series shows how we did build a rubble trench on this project. Q: I intend to build a earthbag house of approx 800-900 sq. ft. on land which is overlooking a beautiful lake. But there are lots of wild bush/trees which obstruct the view. Can I build earthbag house on an elevated platform / terrace with pillars made of concrete to hold the weight? An elevated house will give a superb view and also the remaining space can be used as terrace or elevated patio. A: I suppose that with a sufficiently substantial and
