Gobi Rammed Earth Board Moisture Resistance Test: Humidity Chamber Real Photos

Release time : November 07 2025

When it comes to building materials, few challenges are as persistent as moisture. Whether it's the dampness of a coastal town, the heavy rains of a monsoon season, or the unexpected humidity in a basement, excess moisture can turn a sturdy structure into a breeding ground for mold, a victim of rot, or worse—compromised structural integrity. For architects, builders, and homeowners alike, finding materials that stand up to these conditions isn't just a preference; it's a necessity. That's where Gobi Rammed Earth Board comes in—a product from MCM, a brand renowned for pushing the boundaries of what building materials can do, from their innovative MCM flexible stone to cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. Today, we're diving deep into a critical test: how does this unique rammed earth board hold up in extreme humidity? Let's walk through the process, the results, and why it matters for your next project.

Why Moisture Resistance Tests Matter—Especially for Gobi Rammed Earth Board

Before we jump into the test itself, let's talk about why moisture resistance is non-negotiable. Rammed earth has been used for centuries, valued for its durability and connection to nature. But traditional rammed earth has its limits, especially in high-moisture environments. MCM's Gobi Rammed Earth Board aims to reimagine this classic material for the modern world—combining the aesthetic warmth of rammed earth with the resilience needed to thrive in places like the Gobi Desert (yes, even deserts have humidity spikes) or a rainy city like Seattle. The humidity chamber test is one of the most rigorous ways to measure a material's moisture resistance. It involves placing the sample in a controlled environment where humidity levels are cranked up to extreme levels, mimicking the worst-case scenarios a building might face over decades. By monitoring the board's weight, appearance, and structural changes over time, we can get a clear picture of how it will perform when the rain pours, the dew settles, or the humidity climbs. For this test, we worked directly with MCM's lab team, who provided a 1m x 1m sample of Gobi Rammed Earth Board—fresh from the production line, with no prior treatments or sealants. The goal? To see if the board's natural composition, enhanced by MCM's proprietary technology, could resist moisture absorption and maintain its integrity without extra chemical coatings. Spoiler: we were impressed, but let's break it down step by step.

Inside the Humidity Chamber: The Test Process Unfolded

Imagine stepping into a room where the air is so thick with moisture you can almost feel it on your skin—that's the humidity chamber. Our test took place in a state-of-the-art chamber calibrated to maintain 95% relative humidity (RH) at 30°C (86°F)—conditions far more extreme than what most materials face in the real world (think: a tropical rainforest during the wettest month). Here's how we ran the test:

Pre-test Prep: The Gobi Rammed Earth Board sample was weighed, photographed, and measured for density before the test. We also checked for any visible pores, cracks, or inconsistencies—standard procedure to ensure the sample was representative of production batches.
Chamber Placement: The board was suspended in the center of the chamber, not touching any walls, to ensure even exposure to moisture from all sides. This mimics real-world conditions where a wall or panel might be exposed to humidity from both indoor and outdoor environments.
Monitoring Schedule: We checked the sample every 24 hours for 72 hours—a duration chosen to simulate three days of continuous heavy humidity, enough time for any moisture-related issues to surface. Each check included weighing the board, taking high-resolution photos (the "real photos" in our title), and testing for surface dampness with a moisture meter.
Control Variables: To ensure accuracy, we ran a parallel test with a standard travertine tile—a popular natural stone often used in similar applications. This gave us a benchmark to compare the Gobi Rammed Earth Board against a material many builders already know.

By the end of the 72 hours, we had a mountain of data—but more importantly, we had a clear story about how this board holds up when moisture is everywhere. Let's look at the results.

The Results: How Gobi Rammed Earth Board Stood the Test

Let's cut to the chase: the Gobi Rammed Earth Board didn't just pass the test—it exceeded expectations. To make it easy to digest, we've compiled the key data into the table below, tracking moisture absorption, visual changes, and structural integrity over the 72-hour period. We've also included the travertine control for comparison.

Metric	Sample	Initial State	After 24 Hours	After 48 Hours	After 72 Hours
Moisture Absorption Rate	Gobi Rammed Earth Board	0%	0.8%	1.2%	1.5%
Moisture Absorption Rate	Standard Travertine	0%	3.2%	5.7%	7.1%
Visual Changes	Gobi Rammed Earth Board	Dry, uniform color, no cracks	Slight darkening at edges (normal for natural materials)	Edges return to original color; no swelling or warping	No visible mold, discoloration, or cracks
Visual Changes	Standard Travertine	Dry, porous surface, light beige	Darker overall; visible moisture pooling in pores	Edges swollen by 2mm; small surface cracks	Mold spots at corners; significant discoloration
Structural Integrity	Gobi Rammed Earth Board	Hard, rigid, no flex	No flex; same hardness as initial	No flex; no delamination	No structural changes; passes impact test (5kg weight dropped from 1m)
Structural Integrity	Standard Travertine	Hard, rigid, brittle	Slightly softer to touch	Flexible when pressed; delamination starting at edges	Cracks propagate; breaks under light impact

The numbers speak for themselves, but let's unpack what they mean. The Gobi Rammed Earth Board absorbed just 1.5% moisture over 72 hours—compared to 7.1% for travertine. That's a staggering difference. Why? It all comes down to MCM's unique manufacturing process. Unlike traditional rammed earth, which relies on compacted soil and can be porous, Gobi Rammed Earth Board uses a blend of natural earth minerals, reinforced with MCM's flexible stone technology. This creates a dense, uniform matrix that resists water penetration while still allowing the material to "breathe"—preventing trapped moisture from causing damage from the inside out. Visually, the board held its ground. While the edges darkened slightly in the first 24 hours (a common reaction in natural materials as they absorb minimal moisture), they lightened back up as the chamber's humidity stabilized. There were no cracks, no swelling, and most importantly, no mold. The travertine, on the other hand, showed mold growth by day three—a red flag for any builder worried about indoor air quality or long-term durability. Structurally, the Gobi Rammed Earth Board remained rock-solid. Even after 72 hours in near-saturated air, it didn't flex, delaminate, or break under impact. The travertine, brittle by nature, began to crack and soften, highlighting why natural stones alone often need sealants to survive high humidity—sealants that wear off over time and need reapplication.

Beyond the Lab: Real-World Applications for Gobi Rammed Earth Board

Lab tests are one thing, but how does this translate to real buildings? Let's look at a few scenarios where Gobi Rammed Earth Board's moisture resistance shines:

Coastal Homes and Beachfront Properties

Coastal areas are brutal on building materials. Saltwater spray, high humidity, and constant wind create a perfect storm for corrosion and decay. A beach house with Gobi Rammed Earth Board siding would stand up to these conditions without peeling, warping, or growing mold—unlike wood, which needs frequent painting, or even some concrete panels that can absorb saltwater and degrade over time.

Basements and Below-Grade Spaces

Basements are often the forgotten part of a home when it comes to moisture, but they're also the most vulnerable. Leaky foundations, groundwater seepage, and poor ventilation can turn a basement into a damp, musty space. Using Gobi Rammed Earth Board for basement walls adds a layer of protection; its low moisture absorption means less risk of mold, and its structural stability ensures it won't bow or crack under pressure from wet soil.

Commercial Buildings in Humid Climates

Think about a shopping mall in Miami or a hotel in Bangkok—buildings with large glass facades that trap humidity inside. Interior walls made from Gobi Rammed Earth Board would resist the constant moisture in the air, keeping common areas fresh and reducing maintenance costs (no more repainting moldy walls every few years).

Historic Renovations

When restoring old buildings, preserving the original aesthetic is key—but so is updating materials for modern durability. Gobi Rammed Earth Board's earthy, textured finish mimics traditional rammed earth, making it ideal for historic projects where authenticity matters. And unlike the original rammed earth, it won't crumble or absorb moisture, ensuring the building stands for another century.

Why This Matters for Your Next Project

At the end of the day, building materials are about trust. You trust that the siding will protect your home from the rain, that the flooring will hold up to foot traffic, and that the walls won't let moisture in to ruin your investment. The Gobi Rammed Earth Board humidity chamber test isn't just a bunch of numbers—it's proof that MCM has earned that trust. By combining the timeless appeal of rammed earth with cutting-edge technology like MCM flexible stone, they've created a material that doesn't just look good; it works hard, even when the going gets damp. So, whether you're an architect designing a coastal retreat, a builder tackling a basement renovation, or a homeowner who wants peace of mind, consider Gobi Rammed Earth Board. It's a material that respects tradition while embracing innovation—and as our test showed, it's ready to stand up to whatever moisture Mother Nature throws its way. Ready to see the real photos from the test? Reach out to MCM's team—they'll walk you through the images, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect MCM product for your project. After all, when it comes to building, the best materials aren't just strong—they're reliable. And reliability? That's something you can't put a price on.