Straw bonded solid panels – the constructability, thermal performance and structural behaviour

Abstract

Straw bonded solid panels manufactured as boards with a thickness of 58 mm can be used for many applications such as internal partitions, floor boards, acoustic panels, ceiling, etc. However, there have been many issues related to the use of straw panels as a load bearing material for walls. This paper describes the details and results of a full scale load test carried out with straw bonded solid panels to assess the constructability, structural adequacy with short term loads and sustained loads. It also indicates the trends that can be expected with thermal performance.