Requested research

Device design: Develop a portable and manually operated straw baler capable of producing bales in different dimensions with sufficient compaction.

Energy independence: Ensure the baler operates without electricity or petrol, and is easy to clean, maintain, and repair.

Field usability: Create a design that is easily transportable, and simple to assemble or dismantle in rural and remote conditions.

Technical documentation: Produce detailed drawings and do-it-yourself guidelines for correct assembly, maintenance, calibration, and operation of the baler and all related tools and processes.

Background: straw bales

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.

Because rural and remote regions often lack access to electricity, gas, or petrol, the baler must be manually operated, with all processes performed by hand. Transportability, simple maintenance, and minimal moving parts are essential to ensure reliable field use.

Further action

This assignment is part of a broader effort to improve local construction quality and promote sustainable building practices, which also includes the development of portable and manually operated field testing devices, a concrete mixer, and a stone crusher.

Interested? For more information or to set up a meeting, possibly as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email. We’d be happy to discuss how you can contribute to this important area of research.