Low-tech small strawbale house passed earthquake test

[John Raabe]

Here is the lead article in Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403104229.htm

Then go here to see the project (click the Gallery) and find construction photos of the inexpensive Pakistan houses that are being built: http://www.paksbab.org/

[kyounge1956]

There is a video clip of the test here

http://imedia.unr.edu/shakertables/straw_bail_house_test_270.mov

[Source_to_Sea]

That's awesome. I hope this sort of thing will help shore up code acceptance here in the states. Nebraska-style is the only way to fly for smaller strawbale buildings, but it's not going to be fun getting that approved when we build.

[John Raabe]

Source-to-sea:

Earthquake codes are what has been the problem with strawbale here in the NW. One I worked on needed more old growth timber for the posts and bracing than would have been used in a standard stick built house. No Eco gain there!

[Source_to_Sea]

No kidding. There's some work to be done with stress skin bracing levels from the stucco (netting or no) that might help. Modified post and beam designs with box beams as posts hold some promise as well. I think once you get much over 500 square feet or some, especially if doing goofy rooflines, that it's just easier to have some sort of frame to work off of.

Now for a little 350 sq ft cabin, post/beam is more of pain than it's worth.    That's what we're planning on starting with, in addition to a 12x20ish pumphouse/showerhouse/energy shed and a 20' shipping container for tool/generator storage

[kyounge1956]

Source-to-sea:

Earthquake codes are what has been the problem with strawbale here in the NW. One I worked on needed more old growth timber for the posts and bracing than would have been used in a standard stick built house. No Eco gain there!

Tell me more. I am planning to build with straw bale in the Pacific NW. I've been assuming a modified post & beam structure with bale infill would have no problem meeting any relevant codes. That video has made me think about load-bearing again, because the house I'm planning is very small. Was the house that used so much wood a large one? And why old growth? Was it large-dimension timber for a traditional timber frame?