Seismic load-resisting capacity of plastered straw bale walls

Abstract

Straw bales have been incorporated into buildings for centuries, but only recently have they been explored in academic settings for their structural potential. Straw bale building is encountering a growing audience due to its social and economic benefits. Plastered and reinforced straw bale wall assemblies have been found comparable to wood frame construction in resisting vertical and lateral loads. A number of straw bale residences have been constructed in the highly seismic state of California, while recent efforts have expanded its presence to quake-prone areas in developing countries like Pakistan and China. As this is a burgeoning arena of research, only empirical tests have been conducted. This thesis introduces a computer simulation of a wall assembly under lateral loading, using two techniques: a multi-layer shell element and an equivalent compression strut frame in SAP2000. The models assume homogeneity, and based on the results, areas for improvement and further research are suggested.