Re: SB: Just what is "adequate" pre compression ??

[Katey <newtribe@directvinternet.com>]

Dom,
We have only done a few (3) load bearing structures and we didn't do
any precompression.  We have not heard of any problems that
have resulted from this.  One of those buildings was a 2500 square
foot house with 10 ft ceilings.

We don't do load bearing anymore - it isn't very appropriate for the southeast, and we don't use concrete stucco anymore, either.  Interestingly all three of these loadbearing houses used concrete stucco.  They were built between 1994-1996.
katey
 

"Pacot, Domingo G" wrote:

I've been looking at the  experts world wide and  all advocate  adequate pre
compression with a variety of devices  i.e. fence strainer  or inflated air
bag  to name a few

What is adequate ?  I understand that there may be some settling and cracks
but we want to keep it to a minimum, hence my interest in compression

I would be interested to hear  what measures or rules of thumb people have
applied to  judge  the strawbale wall as being compressed .

Thanks
                Dom Pacot

--
Katey Culver
newtribe@directvinternet.com
www.ecoarchitech.net