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Physical Properties of Straw Bales as a Construction Material: A Review

Author

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  • Stefano Cascone

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Renata Rapisarda

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Dario Cascone

    (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Enna Kore, Via delle Olimpiadi, 94100 Enna, Italy)

Abstract

Straw bale buildings provide significant benefits in terms of costs, human health, and environmental sustainability. Several studies in different regions have underlined the remarkable properties of straw bales as insulating and construction material; however, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no reviews published on this topic. The main objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of straw bale systems, focusing on durability and thermal and acoustic insulation properties. To this end, previous tests and studies on straw bale buildings around the world were reviewed, comparing their results, assessing where research currently stands, and identifying the aspects that need to be further investigated. Results from previous tests have highlighted their ability to achieve excellent living comfort and encouraged their use. Guidelines for the characteristics to be achieved during the baling process are now required. Combining straw bale walls with a render or any type of high-density layer can improve both the thermal and acoustic properties of straw bale constructions. Finally, a quantitative assessment of the most significant properties, such as thermal resistance and acoustic insulation, is necessary to reduce the gap between straw bales and traditional building materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Cascone & Renata Rapisarda & Dario Cascone, 2019. "Physical Properties of Straw Bales as a Construction Material: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:12:p:3388-:d:241162
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hao Wang & Pen-Chi Chiang & Yanpeng Cai & Chunhui Li & Xuan Wang & Tse-Lun Chen & Shiming Wei & Qian Huang, 2018. "Application of Wall and Insulation Materials on Green Building: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-21, September.
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    1. Stefano Cascone & Gianpiero Evola & Antonio Gagliano & Gaetano Sciuto & Chiara Baroetto Parisi, 2019. "Laboratory and In-Situ Measurements for Thermal and Acoustic Performance of Straw Bales," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Rojhat Ibrahim & Sara Elhadad & Bálint Baranyai & Tamás János Katona, 2022. "Impact Assessment of Morphology and Layout of Zones on Refugees’ Affordable Core Shelter Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Ghadie Tlaiji & Pascal Biwole & Salah Ouldboukhitine & Fabienne Pennec, 2022. "A Mini-Review on Straw Bale Construction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-8, October.
    4. Yun-Shang Chiou & Joan Stephanie Elizalde, 2019. "Thermal Performances of Three Old Houses: A Comparative Study of Heterogeneous Vernacular Traditions in Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-26, October.
    5. Xunzhi Yin & Jiaqi Yu & Qi Dong & Yongheng Jia & Cheng Sun, 2020. "Energy Sustainability of Rural Residential Buildings with Bio-Based Building Fabric in Northeast China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-14, November.
    6. Qing Yin & Muhan Yu & Xueliang Ma & Ying Liu & Xunzhi Yin, 2023. "The Role of Straw Materials in Energy-Efficient Buildings: Current Perspectives and Future Trends," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-24, April.
    7. Prespa Ymeri & Csaba Gyuricza & Csaba Fogarassy, 2020. "Farmers’ Attitudes Towards the Use of Biomass as Renewable Energy—A Case Study from Southeastern Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-18, May.
    8. Xunzhi Yin & Qi Dong & Siyuan Zhou & Jiaqi Yu & Lu Huang & Cheng Sun, 2020. "Energy-Saving Potential of Applying Prefabricated Straw Bale Construction (PSBC) in Domestic Buildings in Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-18, April.
    9. Cristina Moliner & Dario Bove & Elisabetta Arato, 2020. "Co-Incineration of Rice Straw-Wood Pellets: A Sustainable Strategy for the Valorisation of Rice Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-14, November.
    10. Bryan Dorsey, 2021. "Refocusing on Sustainability: Promoting Straw Bale Building for Government-Assisted, Self-Help Housing Programs in Utah and Abroad," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-18, February.

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