This thesis describes the procedure for obtaining an insulation value for straw bales for construction. Rice straw bales have similar insulating value. This R-value was used to demonstrate the energy requirements of a residential building constructed with straw bales. The use of this value has wide ranging implications on energy use for buildings. In order to compare straw bale insulation to more traditional insulation materials the Arizona home energy rating program, CalRes, was used.
Straw is an anisentropic material.
Insulating values of bales varies with position. Moisture content and bale density also effect insulating values.