LA TECNICA DEL TAPIAL EN LA CONSTRUCCION TRADICIONAL DE LA PROVINCIA DE ALBACETE #1

Construction of Tapial Walls

Overview of Tapial Structure

• The tapial consists of two lateral boards, known as tapiales, and two borders that define the overall structure.

• Six wooden braces (costeros) maintain the position of the boards, featuring a perforation at the top and a groove at the bottom for securing.

Components Used in Construction

• Three steel needles are utilized, similar to traditional methods but with threaded ends for better stability. Additionally, three corrugated rods replace traditional ties used at the top of the braces.

• The tapial is reinforced with conical-shaped codales and conical pisones that have steel reinforcements on their ends.

Assembly Process

• Each tapial comprises several interlocked wooden planks surrounded by a perimeter steel frame to prevent deformation during construction. This assembly process begins by placing boards over needles and securing them with braces and tensioners.

• The construction starts with positioning needles traditionally set on a stone base, ensuring they are perfectly horizontal using small stone slabs for support.

Filling and Compaction Techniques

• Once aligned, earth is added inside the formwork after being moistened for optimal consistency; it should hold its shape when squeezed in hand before placement. This ensures proper compaction without clumps or stones present in the soil mix.

• Earth is filled in layers (tongadas) of 8 to 10 cm height, compacted rhythmically using feet and pisón until reaching approximately 1.5 meters long by 45 cm wide and 80 cm high within an hour's time frame before removing formwork carefully to avoid damaging weaker parts of earth walls.

Final Steps in Construction

• After completing one side of the wall, only one border is needed for subsequent layers since one side will be defined by previously constructed walls; this allows better alignment during construction phases while maintaining structural integrity through corner reinforcements made from stones and plaster (brenca).

Construction Techniques for Tapia Walls

Overview of the Construction Process

• The construction process involves relocating the tapial (a type of wall) to a new position, starting with making grooves in the base (Zócalo) for proper placement of support needles (agujas).

• After creating the grooves, the needles are positioned correctly. This requires dismantling part of the recently constructed wall to allow the needle to advance and reposition itself.

• The needles will also provide support for tapials that slide over them until they reach their designated positions.

• During this transition, the most advanced section of the old wall becomes part of the new structure, ensuring continuity as tapials shift until they align properly with existing supports.