Re: SB: Re: Blown bales.

[Ben Polley <info@harvesthomes.ca>]

Jeff, thanks for the reply.  I guess I have one less test-proven argument 
(the edge-flat debate) although it does go to show that wider is not 
necessarily stronger (in terms of vertical loads).

Marcus, the reasons why we have used 2-string bales on edge are:
1) it uses less bales (about 20% less on a standard 18"x14"x36" bale)
2) it occupies less total floor space (the first building we (Chris Magwood 
and I) tried it in was a small 12x12 (outside dimensions) workshop building 
so this was important)
3) I personally find that they are easy to stack (in that the grains sort of 
interlock - there is no slippage)

Perhaps the greatest advantages were actually discovered on/after our first 
test including:
4) the walls naturally end up almost perfectly level (such as can be expected 
with straw bales that is).  In that first building the walls were only 1" off 
level over any 12' span, prior to compressing.  Impressive I thought. This 
has since proven true in our experience over much longer spans.
5) because the walls are naturally so close to level, the process of 
compression (and using this process to achieve a level top plate throughout) 
was very, very quick and easily accomplished.  In fact there was really very 
little 'compression'even under great compressive pressures (as applied by a 1 
tonne come-along).  My take on this is that the grain is vertical, like it 
grows in the field and just like it would take considerably more force to 
bend a bundle of 2x4's if pushing down while they are standing on their end 
than the same bundle laid horizontally with the force applied from above in 
the middle; it is similarly difficult to squish bales on edge.  Standard 
stick frame walls aren't built with the studs set horizontally (not sure if 
that's a good comparison, but it's my thought)
6) because the 'clean' edges of the bales are facing the interior and 
exterior, there is almost no need to do the often time-consuming trimming of 
the bales with a grass trimmer in order to achieve a flat, continuous and 
shaven surface on which to plaster. 
7)our Canajun 2 string bales are typically 14" wide when on edge, so about 
16" when plastered.  This divides quite nicely into a 4' (exactly 3 pieces) 
wide sheet of plywood if making a box beam top plate;  so waste is elimnated 
(in that component).
 

The possible down sides that I can think of in respect to bales on edge 
include: 

1) I wonder what the R value comparisons are between bales on edge or flat.  
When working on a considerably windy site last year, a temporarily stacked 
set of bales laid flat actually had wind pushing through (I don't mean 
between) the bales.  When they were set into their final resting place on 
edge, no wind penetrated.  That's my anecdotal evidence - I suppose that the 
air channels are vertical, with the grain when the bales are on edge.  
Perhaps this would mean that it would be a better insulator.  I have heard it 
said (although know of no studies) that bales on edge have a better R-value 
per inch but while at less inches in width in nets about the same as the 
bales laid flat.  Anyone know of any such data?

2) As John mentioned earlier, it is nearly impossible to vertically notch a 
bale laid on edge.  This largely precludes bales on edge from being used in 
buildings with posts buried in the bale walls.  However, this thread was 
about using bales on edge for load bearing applications so in this case it is 
a moot point.

Cheers,

Ben
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