Requested research

Literature review: Examine existing studies on straw bale construction with a focus on seismic behavior, and review built examples from seismic regions such as Pakistan and Nepal.

Structural analysis: Analyze the performance of straw bale walls, structures, and buildings in earthquake-prone regions.

Key parameters: Define all factors influencing the seismic performance of this technique, such as wall configuration, overall dimensions, reinforcement detailing, material and mechanical properties, and so on.

Practical application: Design, model, and analyze a straw bale prototype house suitable for seismic regions. Determine design limitations and structural safety margins, based on minimum needed material and mechanical strengths.

Background: straw bale construction

In many parts of Asia, there is an abundance of agricultural waste after harvest seasons. Often, this waste is burned or left to decompose in flooded rice paddies, releasing smoke and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Instead of destroying it, straw can be transformed into a valuable resource for construction.

Building with straw bales has multiple advantages: it is affordable, easy to work with, and provides excellent thermal insulation. Importantly, straw bale walls show good performance in seismic events due to their flexibility. While termite and moisture protection are necessary, well-compacted bales are safe to use and eliminate fire risk.

This assignment builds on the pioneering work of Paksbab, which successfully implemented straw bale housing in Pakistan following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Their approach serves as a valuable reference for designing earthquake-resistant housing in the Himalayan region and beyond.

Further action

This project is part of a broader effort to explore sustainable, low-cost, and earthquake-resilient building materials.

Interested? For more information, or to explore this as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email to schedule a meeting.