ABSTRACT

The use of plain rammed earth, lime-enriched rammed earth or limecrete, is a constant in medieval fortifications of the Iberian Peninsula. Its use was common throughout this period and spread through both the Islamic and Christian ages. Within the La Mancha region, there is an extensive list of fortifications where the use of formworks can be found. However, no catalogue or database for global study has been made to date. Our proposal aims to present an interdisciplinary project born at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in the framework of a collaboration of architects, engineers, historians, conservators and archaeologists. Three case studies are presented, paying special attention to the metrics, materials and formwork assembly. In addition, we analysed in detail the stratigraphic relationship of this technique with other constructions in order to be able to classify them chronologically and culturally.