[GSBN] Fire rating for unplastered straw

[August Hasz]

This is not official in any way, but just wanted to share my experience. Our home had all bales stacked, windows set, and we were just beginning to prep for plaster when a contractor made a mistake with a halogen light (before the time of LED lights, but had no business being on the job site anyway). Our two story 2,000ft2 structure took 9 minutes from ignition to total collapse. The fire spread capability of un-plastered straw is truly impressive. 

Of course once plastered this threat is gone, but I would not mess around with leaving straw exposed for any length of time in the presence of any potential ignition sources.

Again, nothing official, just sharing my observation-  August


August Hasz, P.E.
President
REG
Resource Engineering Group
Direct: 970.713.0984
Cell: 970.275.3603
hasz at reginc.com <mailto:hasz at reginc.com> 
www.reginc.com <http://www.reginc.com/>

> On Jun 5, 2019, at 8:32 AM, David Arkin, AIA <david at arkintilt.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello Rikki:
> 
> Attached find the ASTM E84 test conducted in 2000 on the surface burning characteristics of a straw bale, sponsored by Katrina Hayes.  It establishes the flame spread index and smoke developed index, which are factors for use of straw as an insulation material.  
> 
> Hope this is helpful, 
> 
> David Arkin / CASBA
> 
>> On Jun 5, 2019, at 6:17 AM, Rikki Nitzkin <rikkinitzkin at gmail.com <mailto:rikkinitzkin at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> HI all, 
>> 
>> Quick question! Have any fire tests been made on unplastered straw? Does anyone know where to find them or what the rating is? This is for an art project someone want to do with an interior unplastered straw wall.
>> 
>> Thanks, Rikki
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> 
> 
> <ASTM_E84_StrawBales.pdf>
> 
> 
> *  *  *  *  *
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> 
> David Arkin, AIA, Architect
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> 
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