[GSBN] Fire rating for unplastered straw

[Rikki Nitzkin]

Thanks all!

You have confirmed what I already believed, and fortunately I have been able to convince the person in question to give up the idea. I have suggested that he make an extra-large “truth window” instead.

Thanks, Rikki

> El 7 jun 2019, a las 18:57, Martin Hammer <mfhammer at pacbell.net> escribió:
> 
> Follow up to my last email. The experience described by August Hasz below (and we’ve heard other similar experiences over the years) and Derek Roff’s thoughts are probably the most important cautionary information for the “art project”. More so than testing info.
> 
> Martin
> 
> From: Gsbn <gsbn-bounces at sustainablesources.com <mailto:gsbn-bounces at sustainablesources.com>> on behalf of August Hasz <hasz at reginc.com <mailto:hasz at reginc.com>>
> Reply-To: GSBN <GSBN at SustainableSources.com <mailto:GSBN at SustainableSources.com>>
> Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 9:45 AM
> To: GSBN <GSBN at SustainableSources.com <mailto: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 <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 <mailto: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>
>> 
>> 
>> *  *  *  *  *
>> 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&participantID=6586 <https://support.climateride.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=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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