SB: RE: Re: Re: Bales in Floor

[jmark.vanscoter@amd.com]

If used over a level gravel/sand base (or a thin concrete base) extruded polystyrene sheets (XPS) have surprisingly high compressive strength. The EPS (expanded) sheets are very weak.

XPS is used as the base for airplane wings for experimental airplane. They are covered with fiberglass and resin, but much of the strength (and all of the shape) is the foam cores.

Of course, this material is highly petrochemical based.

Mark V.S. in Austin, TX

-----Original Message-----
From: S. G. Fawthrop [mailto:S.G.Fawthrop@Eklectika.net]


Rob,

Thanks for the input.  You echoed my concerns almost exactly, but I was
looking at the section in "The Straw Bale House" which seemed to indicate
that it was not a bad idea.

If I do not put bales in the floor, what is the best material to use as
insulation.  I need the concrete as a heat sink so I cannot cover it.  Is
there any insulation which will withstand the weight of 6" of concrete on
top of it.  My calculations tell me that if I just use concrete in contact
with the ground (with gravel between) I will lose too much heat.

Steve


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