DOI: 10.1002/cepa.70990 ISSN: 2509-7075

How to build durable cathedrals from local clay? A biomimetic study of termite mounds

Julian Sartori, Trine Müller, Sebastian Pflanze, Sofie Bredau, Aleš Buček, Christoph Liebrich, Horst‐Michael Ludwig

Abstract

Termites use local clay to build mounds that are durable despite exposition to weather. Termite mounds of soil‐feeding termites were studied regarding resistance to erosion by water, composition and microstructure. Principles for a biomimetic transfer to earth‐based construction materials are identified. Furthermore, a perspective for the further study of termite mound materials is given.

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