Are straw bales better insulation materials for constructions? A review

Sun, Chuang; Gu, Jian; Dong, Qi; Qu, Dan; Chang, Wen‐Shao; Yin, Xunzhi

doi:10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100209

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…Compared with reinforced concrete, they can be easily dismantled for reuse or used as energy sources at the end of the building life span. Shea et al introduced the ModCell prefabricated straw-bale panel system [84]. This innovative panel is assembled by using straw bales to fill a supporting framework measuring a dimension of 3.19 m in width, 2.66 m in height, and 0.49 m in thickness (Figure 8).…”

Section: Ability To Disassemble Achieved By Prefabricationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

Li,

Guo,

et al. 2024

Buildings

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Over the past decade, the concept of a circular economy has increasingly gained attention as a framework for guiding businesses and policymakers. Given its significant environmental impact, the building industry plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a circular economy. To address this, our review proposes a bio-based building material, specifically straw bale, which elaborates on the circularity of bio-based buildings based on the 3R principles of a circular economy: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In terms of the “reduce” principle, straw-bale buildings can reduce construction waste, the environmental impact, energy requirements, and carbon emissions. Regarding the “reuse” principle, straw-bale buildings utilize agricultural waste resources and are easily disassembled due to their prefabrication. As for the “recycle” principle, straw-bale buildings can undergo physical, biological, and biochemical conversion processes (thermochemical conversion), yielding both wooden composite boards and potential biogas and biomass fuels for electricity and heating. This study evaluates the contribution of straw packaging construction and the use of straw as a raw material, using the 3R principles to determine future research opportunities for the construction industry to achieve a circular economy. The results of this study offer circular economy solutions and interdisciplinary research insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the building environment.

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Section: Ability To Disassemble Achieved By Prefabricationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

Li,

Guo,

et al. 2024

Buildings

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“…When pure, untreated wheat straw is used, there are currently two options: straw bales and chopped straw for blow-in insulation. Straw bales have been proven in numerous studies to be cost-effective and energy efficient as insulation materials that are easy to handle [8][9][10]. Typically installed between wooden frame structures, straw bales have demonstrated their capacity to serve as effective thermal and moisture buffer materials [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The long-term consequences of such effects can include mold growth and the deterioration of insulation material. Therefore, the inclusion of flame retardants demands careful consideration, taking into account their potential ramifications [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chopped Straw as an Insulation Material: The Influence of Different Blow-In Technologies and Flame Retardants on Hygrothermal Properties

Salonen,

Fischer,

Korjenic

2023

Buildings

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The demand for renewable resources in building construction is increasing, and wheat straw is an excellent option due to its superior environmental performance compared to traditional insulation materials. However, the hygrothermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation have remained largely unexplored. At the moment, blown-in straw is only blown in vertically, although horizontal blowing would be more efficient depending on the situation. This study investigates the effect of different blowing techniques on the thermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation, focusing on the difference between vertical and horizontal blowing techniques. In-situ-measured thermal conductivities were compared with design values used in energy balances. In addition, the long-term hygrothermal behavior of chopped wheat straw insulation treated with flame retardants was investigated. The methodology included heat flow plate measurements, needle probe measurements and laboratory measurements using the hot plate method. The results show that there is no significant difference in thermal performance between the blowing techniques. The measured thermal conductivities were lower than expected, challenging the current general normative moisture surcharge on the thermal conductivity of natural fiber insulation. The addition of the flame retardant had no noticeable effect on the hygrothermal properties of the chopped straw. Chopped wheat straw can be regarded as a highly ecological insulation material with great potential for the future.

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Chemical-free thermal-acoustic panels from agricultural waste for sustainable building materials

Lawanwadeekul,

Jun-On,

Kongthavorn

et al. 2024

Cleaner Materials

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Are straw bales better insulation materials for constructions? A review

Cited by 5 publications

References 70 publications

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

Chopped Straw as an Insulation Material: The Influence of Different Blow-In Technologies and Flame Retardants on Hygrothermal Properties

Chemical-free thermal-acoustic panels from agricultural waste for sustainable building materials

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