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A Mini-Review on Straw Bale Construction

Author

Listed:
  • Ghadie Tlaiji

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Pascal Biwole

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
    MINES Paris Tech, PSL Research University, PERSEE-Center for Processes, Renewable Energies and Energy Systems, 06904 Sophia Antipolis, France)

  • Salah Ouldboukhitine

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Fabienne Pennec

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

Abstract

Straw bale building construction is attracting a revived public interest because of its potential for reduced carbon footprint, hygrothermal comfort, and energy savings at an affordable price. The present paper aims to summarize the current knowledge on straw bale construction, using available data from academic, industry, and public agencies sources. The main findings on straw fibers, bales, walls, and buildings are presented. The literature shows a wide variability of results, which reflects the diversity of straw material and of straw construction techniques. It is found that the effective thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, and elastic modulus of straw bales used in construction are in the range 0.033–0.19 W/(m·K), 80–150 kg/m 3 , 1075–2000 J/(kg·K), and 150–350 kPa respectively. Most straw-based multilayered walls comply with fire resistance regulations, and their U-value and sound reduction index range from 0.11 to 0.28 W/m 2 K and 42 to 53 dB respectively, depending on the wall layout. When compared to standard buildings, straw bale buildings do provide yearly reductions in carbon emissions and energy consumption. The reductions often match those obtained after applying energy-saving technologies in standard buildings. The paper ends by discussing the future research needed to foster the dissemination of straw bale construction.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:21:p:7859-:d:951078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
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