The durability and longevity of an earth wall is dependent as much upon the raw materials originally employed and methods of which the traditional building was constructed. This research addresses the analysis of the pathologies present in a sample of 120 cases of traditional earth building at Gbongan rural area in Osun State. The defects identified are related with construction methods in which they are detected. The soil particle distribution of earthen material was analysed, soil properties which make soil a suitable construction material are discussed. The paper then concludes on some earth property tests such as composition, consistency, dry shrinkage, coefficient of expansion that enhance durability of earthen structure.
Keywords: Durability, Earth, Particle Size, Soil Properties, defect
