[GSBN] Fire rating for unplastered straw

[Martin Hammer]

Follow up to my last email. The experience described by August Hasz below
(and we¹ve heard other similar experiences over the years) and Derek Roff¹s
thoughts are probably the most important cautionary information for the ³art
project². More so than testing info.

Martin

From:  Gsbn <gsbn-bounces at sustainablesources.com> on behalf of August Hasz
<hasz at reginc.com>
Reply-To:  GSBN <GSBN at SustainableSources.com>
Date:  Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 9:45 AM
To:  GSBN <GSBN at SustainableSources.com>
Subject:  Re: [GSBN] Fire rating for unplastered straw

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 
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> 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
>> _______________________________________________
>> Gsbn mailing list
>> Gsbn at sustainablesources.com
>> http://sustainablesources.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/gsbn
> 
> <ASTM_E84_StrawBales.pdf>
> 
> 
> *  *  *  *  *
> Arkin Tilt Architects
> Ecological Planning & Design
> 
> Please Support my 2019 Climate Ride California Central Coast, June 12-16, with
> a fundraising goal of $3,000 to support Carbon Smart Materials including Straw
> https://support.climateride.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&pa
> rticipantID=6586
> Thank you!
> 
> David Arkin, AIA, Architect
> LEED Accredited Professional
> CA #C22459/NV #5030
> 
> 1101 8th St. #180, Berkeley, CA  94710
> 510/528-9830 ext. 202
> www.arkintilt.com <http://www.arkintilt.com/>
> 
> "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."
> ‹ A. J. Muste 
> 
> 
> 
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