Condition monitoring and durability assessment of straw bale construction

A Thomson, P J Walker

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingBook chapter

Abstract

The use of straw bales in construction projects is still regarded by many as a novel technique with significant perceived risks. Barriers such as finance, certification and insurance all contribute to further restricting wider adoption. In all of the above cases long-term durability can be considered a prevalent concern. In particular construction industry concerns regarding long-term durability remain a notable barrier to mainstream adoption. Demonstrating the long-term durability credentials of straw bale construction can hence be considered one of the most significant ways of broadening the use straw bale construction within conventional construction markets. This paper presents a review of methodologies for condition monitoring,
analysis, and interpretation of results for the short and longer-term assessment of straw bale
buildings. The review is supported by research completed at the University of Bath and will
help to inform and support future studies whilst also providing new insight into assessment
criteria currently being developed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPortugal SB13: Contribution of Sustainable Building to Meet EU 20-20-20 Targets
EditorsLuis Braganca, Manuel Pinheiro, Ricardo Mateus
Pages791-798
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2013
EventPortugal SB13: Contribution of Sustainable Building to Meet EU 20-20-20 Targets - Guimaraes, Portugal
Duration: 30 Oct 20131 Nov 2013

Conference

ConferencePortugal SB13: Contribution of Sustainable Building to Meet EU 20-20-20 Targets
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityGuimaraes
Period30/10/131/11/13

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