Sand bags are good but soon rot … i prefer this method

Ferro-cement is a method of construction ( there are many ways to do it but here is mine) where you make a frame of steel mesh (about 2 inch mesh) … and attach chicken wire to it every few links. 

or start with EMPTY  Gabion’s   , ones of the right dimensions,  — preferably a thinner type like 1 a foot thick or less  – they are made in many sizes — 3 foot by 4 foot by 1/2 a foot and use them as you would bricks .. tying them together with wire, obviously with the 1/2 foot being the width of the wall.

kinda like this (please excuse mspaint art)

Then attach the chicken wire to the outside of the wall and what will form the inside and plaster .

Plaster with a very fine plaster mix on the chicken wire — let it set and re-plaster until its quite thick .. maybe 1 inch

Continue reading The role of Ferro-cement for Fortifications →