[GSBN] Bale density

[martin hammer]

Hello all,

Anyone care to weigh in (pun intended) on the minimum bale density for straw
bale walls?

This is in the context of the most recent straw bale code proposal for the
International Residential Code.

Things to consider:

* I¹m interested in the minimum acceptable density, not the optimum
* Densities from tested assemblies are especially useful (especially
structural tests) (please mention the test if this is the case)
* Include type of straw with your number(s) if relevant
* Dry densities are preferred (bale weight / bale volume, minus % moisture
content), but wet densities are ok if you also give the approximate moisture
content. 
* Lb/sq.ft. or kg/m3 are ok.
* Whether the minimum acceptable density should be different for structural
(load-bearing or shear wall) and nonload-bearing applications

(Note: I¹m aware that cutting the bale ties before plastering is a practice
some employ, at least for nonload-bearing walls.)

Thanks!

Martin Hammer

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