[GSBN] Update, question re: proposed SB code (hay bales)

[martin hammer]

Hello John,

I cannot predict whether the a SB section in the IBC (used as the basis for
building codes for most of and mostly in the US) will have consequences for
codes in other countries.  I suspect it will, but it¹s impossible to know
how much (if at all).  No one I know of would be forcing it on Australia.
Also, to clear up what might be misunderstanding, much of the language in
the IBC (and the proposed SB chapter) is performance based.

The proposed SB chapter requires a ³registered design professional² to
provide an engineered design for any structural use of straw bale walls.
Next year I expect to submit a code proposal for the International
Residential Code that would allow prescriptive non-engineered structural use
of straw bale walls.

Re: wheat straw vs. rice straw, in California (and other places) we prefer
rice straw because it is more resistant to decay (though it is harder on
tools).  I know that rice straw is cut and baled from a live plant whereas
wheat straw is cut and baled from a dead plant, and so has a tendency to be
baled ³greener².  But I haven¹t seen rice bales with too high moisture
content as a function of that in these parts.

Thanks for your 2 bobs.

Martin


On 2/8/12 3:26 PM, "John Glassford" <jacksflat at gmail.com> wrote:

> Morning Martin
> 
> Thanks for all the hard work you are doing with this code. 
> 
> Are you able to let us know if this proposed section to the SB International
> Code in the USA will have any consequences for any other country codes?  The
> Australian Building Codes Board has a performance based building code for
> buildings in Australia.   I doubt that they would be in the mood for change.
> As long as the material proposed in a build measures up to their criteria that
> material can be used.
> 
> We always employ a structural engineer to certify all our straw bale buildings
> in that they conform to the performance requirements of the Building Code of
> Australia.  So far no worries.
> 
> Re rice straw bales, I do my best to avoid using them as they do behave like
> hay bales or grass bales.  They are much finer in stalk diameter and sometimes
> baled too green due to the way rice is grown.  We prefer wheat straw at all
> times and anyway wheat is plentiful here and we have a large straw baling
> contractor who puts away several thousand small wheat straw bales every year
> for us.  Just my 2 bobs worth.
> 
> Thanks again for what you are doing. 
> 
> Kind regards
> John Glassford
> Huff 'n' Puff Constructions
> http://www.glassford.com.au
> 61 2 6927 6027
> In Australia (02) 6927 6027
> 
> 
> 
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