[GSBN] Straw Preservation in Clay _ Research Documents

[Anthony Dente]

Hello Everyone,

I hope your Septembers are coming to a pleasant close.  I'm curious if any
of you could point me in the direction of reports documenting the long term
preservation of straw in clay plasters, cob walls, or similar.  Most
importantly it's tensile characteristics.

I have been aware for some time of the "common knowledge" that wicking
qualities of clay's hydrophilic nature preserves such biodegradable
materials and that this is the backbone of many clay building techniques.
 I have even spoken with colleagues and friends who say they have chipped
open buildings and felt these qualities themselves.  Though I am unable to
locate studies/reports documenting significantly old structures (preferable
in rainy climates) that have had boring tests done and confirm this.

Thanks for any and all of your help,
Anthony

Anthony Dente, PE, LEED AP
Kevin Donahue Structural Engineers
Berkeley, CA
814.502.6001
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