COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TESTING OF PLASTERED STRAW BALE

Abstract

This paper is a presentation of compressive strength testresults on plastered straw bale block. Guinea corn – straw fiber were baled and plastered with mortar into straw bale blocks of fibers with an average of 6mm thickness, 11.2% moisture content, and baled at a density of range between 0.161-0.190 kg/ mm 2. The fiber blocks were subjected to vertical loading on different plaster thickness of 10, 15 and 20mm using 1:3, 1:4 and 1:6 mix proportion of cement to sand. The results showed that the maximum compressive strength of 6.046 N/mm 2 was obtained with amix ratio 1:3 and 20mm plaster thickness, while the minimum compressive strength of 1.698 N/mm 2 was obtained with a 10mm plaster thickness which meet the requirement of standard compressive strength of sand Crete block (1.8-2.5 N/mm 2) stipulated by the British standard (BS 6073).

Full text

554 | P a g e
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TESTING OF
PLASTERED STRAW BALE
Hassan Abba Musa1, Dr.A. Mohammed2
1,Civil Engineering (Structural Engg), Sharda University – Greater Noida, UP Delhi, (India)
2Department of Civil Engineering, ATBU, Bauchi– Bauchi State, (Nigeria)
ABSTRACT
This paper is a presentation of compressive strength testresults on plastered straw bale block. Guinea corn –
straw fiber were baled and plastered with mortar into straw bale blocks of fibers with an average of 6mm
thickness, 11.2% moisture content, and baled at a density of range between 0.161 - 0.190 kg/ mm2. The fiber
blocks were subjected to vertical loading on different plaster thickness of 10, 15 and 20mm using 1:3, 1:4 and
1:6 mix proportion of cement to sand. The results showed that the maximum compressive strength of 6.046
N/mm2was obtained with amix ratio 1:3 and 20mm plaster thickness, while the minimum compressive strength
of 1.698 N/mm2was obtained with a 10mm plaster thickness which meet the requirement of standard
compressive strength of sand Crete block (1.8 - 2.5 N/mm2) stipulated by the British standard (BS 6073).
Keywords: Compressive Strength Testing, Plastered Straw Bale Block, Guinea Corn, Mix
Proportion.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The need to construct buildings with viable low cost material has become a necessity in our fast growing
society. It goes without saying that the growing population of Nigeria (most populous black nation on earth) and
the escalating cost of conventional building materials that are around 20-30% higher than what is obtainable in
the West African sub region and other parts of the world, in addition to the rather high average inflation level of
12.6% as reported in January 2012. Thus, the high cost of conventional building materials has become a major
source of problems in the housing sector. With this in mind, there is need to adopt cost effective construction
methods either by upgrading of traditional technologies using local resources or applying modern construction
materials and techniques with efficient inputs that will lead to economic solution (Punch 18th March, 2012).
1.2 Problem Statement
Nigeria as the most populous leading Black Country in the world has a high housing deficit that currently stands
about 16 million units due to high costs of acquiring land and conventional building materials (Punch 18th
March, 2012). Because of these problems, there is need for alternative low cost building materials; like
agricultural waste products e.g. straws that readily available, affordableand have the potential to significantly
reduce the housing deficit.
II. METHODOLOGY

555 | P a g e
2.1 Specimen Description and Production of Straw Bale Block
The following sections describe the materials and production of the straw bale block specimens. Several of the
terms used are specific to this type of production of straw bale and care has been taken to ensure their proper
context or provide a definition. Example, like 150mm cube block was selected for the research.
2.1.1 Specimen Description
Wooden mould of different sizes based on the plaster thickness were constructed for moulding the straw bale
block specimen with at least two (2) identical mould for each plaster thickness. The mould sizes are as follow; -
 For 10 plaster thickness - 130 .
 For 15 plaster thickness - 120 .
 For 20 plaster thickness - 110 .
Figure 2.1: Wooden Mould of Straw Bale.
2.1.2 Selection of Materials
Straw: A dry guinea corn (straw) sourced from a farm near A.T.B.U (Sabon Kaura Village), were used as a
straw materials throughout this research. The straws were clean, free from debris and other leaves, and
purchased at a low price of #200 naira per bundle and supplied to the school where it was left in open space to
naturally dry for use.
Figure 2.2: Straw Bale Samples.
Fine aggregate: In production of straw bale block, material like fine aggregates which was clean, naturally
sharp, and well graded (free from salts, chalk and clay) of about 100 passing through sieve no. 5 was

556 | P a g e
chosen and employed in the mix which conform to BS 410 and itstest was carried out in accordance with the
procedure given in BS 810-1:1975, 882:1992.
Cement: An ordinary Portland cement named as Ashaka cement was selected and employed in the plaster mix
of the straw bale.
Water: An amount of water fits for drinking, clean, free contaminant, and free from organic matter coupled
with any dissolved or suspended solute which could affect the plaster strength adversely, was employed in the
plaster mix of the straw bale.
2.1.3 Straw Bale Preparation
The straw bales used in this experiment were one (1) string guinea corn bales. The bales were specifically tested
and noted with its average moisture content equal to 11.2 , and kept in a good condition for ready use.
Cutting: The straws (guinea corn) were cut according to sizes stated in a specimen description by means of
hand cutting (knife), and rip saw in order to fit the selected moulds of straw bale employed in the research.
Baling and compressing of straw: The cut straws were placed into their respective moulds sizes and
compressed by mean of manual-fly (wing) pressing machine as a substituted of baling machine, since its not
reputed to be available in Nigeria and it tightly bounded with binding wire (string) to come up with bale edge
laid flat. The bales were varied in mass and dimension in order to represent light, medium, and heavy density of
straw bales used for the research, (see Table 3.1- 3.3). And the whole process were adopted and repeated for
each numbers of mould size required.
Figure 2.4: Baling of Straw Using Manual Compressing Machine (wing/fly)
2.1.4 Particle Size Distribution
Commercially available clean, natural sharp sand (free from salt, chalk and clay) of 100 passing sieve no.
5 and which complies with BS 812, 882:1201 was employed as a maximum fine aggregate to the straw bale
plaster mix. The sieves used are: - 5 , 2.36 , 1.18 , 600 , 300 , and 150 with weight of sample
equal to 300g. The grading test results are shown in (Table 3.4) for the determination of the distribution of
different sized particle present in the sample employed for the production of plastered straw bale block.
2.1.5 Skin Material of the Straw Bale

557 | P a g e
The skin material employed was cement plaster which starts as dry matrix that is mixed of cement, fine
aggregate with water added to it, to forms paste which liberate heat and then harden. The cement plaster skin
was selected to work together with the straw bale in order to function as a skin panel resisting compressive load.
2.1.6 Plaster Mix Proportion
The plaster mix employed in this research has been designed based on the American concrete institute mix
design (ACI) method. The proportion proposed were 1:3, 1:4 and 1:6 ratios with a water cement ratio of 0.5, 0.5
and 0.55 respectively by weight. The mix designation and quantities of various material for each plaster mix
proportion have been tabulated in (Table 3.5) for cube mould size.
2.1.7 Batching, Mixing, Moulding and Curing of Straw Bale Block Specimen
In moulding the block, after cement and fine aggregate have been acquired based on plaster mix proportion, a
thorough mixing was done for the mix, this was then poured into an oiled steel mould say to the nearest 3
increment above the selected plaster thickness (10, 15 and 20 ) for compaction, then the guinea corn straw
bale which has been baled and ready for use, was placed into the mould and filled up with mortar which is then
chucked and compacted by means of trowel and ply wood respectively.
The specimens were allowed to remain in the steel mould for the first 24 hours at ambient condition. After that,
these were demoulded with care so that no edges were broken and placed into the curing tank at the ambient
temperature (27 ) for curing of twenty eight (28days) in which the first three days were very important until
sufficient strength were gained at 28 days.
Figure 2.5: Straw bale being moulding based on plaster thickness.
2.2 Water Absorption Test of the Plastered Straw Bale Block Specimen
The whole procedure of water absorption test was adopted in accordance with the BS 1881-122: 1983 with age
of specimen equal to 28 days. The measured water absorption of each specimen was calculated as an increase in
mass resulting from immersion in water that expressed as a percentage of the mass of the dry specimen.
Mathematically expressed as:-
Water absorption, % Eq. (1)
Where: - Weight of specimen before curing, and
Weight of specimen after curing.

558 | P a g e
2.3 Compressive Strength Test of Plastered Straw Bale Block Specimen
Compressive strength test was conducted on plastered straw bale block specimens. The machine was first
calibrated with maximum vertical load of pace/loading rate equal to 0.4 KN/s which is in accordance with the
BS-EN 1015-11:1999 (Table B.1- suggested loading rate of mortar) was applied to each block specimen and the
machine was kept sufficiently stiff in flexure to ensure that the top and bottom of the panel were restraint against
rotation. Eighteen (18) plastered straw bales were tested and noted with their modes of failures, in order to
assess the compressive strength of bales plastered flat on edge.
In addition, plaster strength (mix ratio) and thickness were varied in order to determine their effects on the
strength of individual plastered straw bales in compression. Each category of plaster was repeated twice (2
times) in order to understand the variability of the results. Experiment was also conducted on un plastered straw
bale laid flat on edge, in order to determine how the straw bale alone behaves when loaded. Table (3.7)
summarizes the compressive strength results.
2.3.1 Mode of failures
Figure 2.6: Plastered Straw Bale Under Compression and its Mode of Failures.
III. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Results on Plastered Straw Bale Block Specimen
The lab tests were adequately described above in the protocol of methodology chapter and the samples were
tested at 28days age of curing with respected to their different mix proportions and plaster skin thickness. Thus,
the laboratory results obtained from the tests were presented in the following subsections.
3.1.1 Tests on Guinea Corn Fibres
Prior to testing, the following properties of guinea corn were obtained and details of the tests were shown in the
appendix
QUANTITY
VALUE
UNIT
Moisture content, w
11.2
%

559 | P a g e
Young Modulus, E
15985
Mpa
Tensile strength,
126 – 911
Mpa
Extension,
0.1030 - 0.7410
Cm
3.1.1.1 Unit Density of the Straw Bale Block Specimens
The dry unit density of straw after it has been baled into different dimension for each plaster thickness was
determined by dividing its unit mass (Kg) with straw bale volume ( ). The results obtained were computed
in the Table (3.1), (3.2) and (3.3) for the mix proportion of cement to sand-1:3, 1:4 and 1:6 respectively.
Table 3.1: Straw Bales Density for 1:3 Mix Proportions.
Seri
al
No
Plaster
Thicknes
s
(mm)
Bales Dimension (mm)
Specime
n Mark.
Mass
(Kg)
Average
Mass
(kg)
Volume
Density
( )
Lengt
h
Breadt
h
Height
1.
10
130
130
130
A10
0.20
0.39
2.20
0.175
A12
0.19
2.
15
120
120
120
B20
0.30
0.30
1.73
0.171
B22
0.30
3 3.
20
110
110
110
C30
0.22
0.48
1.33
0.180
C32
0.26
Table 3.2: Straw Bales Density for 1:4 Mix Proportions.
Seria
Plaster
Bales Dimension (mm)
Specime
Mas
Averag
Volum
Density

560 | P a g e
l No
Thicknes
s
(mm)
Lengt
h
Breadt
h
Heigh
t
n Mark.
s
(Kg)
e
Mass
(kg)
e
(
)
1.
10
130
130
130
A20
0.36
0.39
2.20
0.180
A22
0.41
2 2.
15
120
120
120
B30
0.27
0.29
1.73
0.170
B32
0.30
3.
20
110
110
110
C10
0.24
0.25
1.33
0.190
C12
0.26
Table 3.3: Straw Bales Density for 1:6 Mix Proportions.
Seri
al
No
Plaster
Thicknes
s
(mm)
Bales Dimension (mm)
Specime
n Mark.
Mass
(Kg)
Average
Mass
(kg)
Volume
Density
( )
Lengt
h
Breadt
h
Height
1.
10
130
130
130
A30
0.34
0.35
2.20
0.161
A32
0.36
2
2
15
120
120
120
B10
0.32
0.32
1.73
0.180
B12
0.32
3
3.
20
110
110
110
C20
0.23
0.24
1.33
0.185
C22
0.24

561 | P a g e
Figure 3.1: Unit Density versus Plaster Thickness of Straw Bale.
From Figure3.1 above, it was found that the density of straw bale for mix 1:6 behaves in a linear curve shape
that is, its increases as the plaster thickness increasing, while densities of straw bale for mix 1:4 and 1:3 behave
in a manner of falling and rising (non linearity) curve with maximum density obtained at maximum plaster
thickness (20mm) employed in the research.
3.1.2 Particle Size Distribution
A nest of sieves is prepared by stacking test sieve one above the other with the largest opening at top followed
by sieves of successively smaller openings and a catch pan at bottom. Opening mesh sizes of the sieves and
sample used were shown and evaluated by standard sieve analysis in the methodology protocol and the result of
grain size characteristic of the sample was predominantly pure fine aggregate with smooth s-curve shape as
shown in the Table (3.4) and Figure3.2 below.
Table 3.4: Grading of Sand for Straw Bale Block.
S/No.
Sieve size (mm)
Mass
retained
(g)
Percentage
retained ( )
Percentage
passing ( )
Cumulative
retained
(0)
5mm
0.00
0.00
100.00
0.00
(1)
5.00mm
7.00
2.33
97.67
2.33
(2)
2.36mm
23.00
7.67
90.00
10.00
(3)
1.18mm
37.00
12.33
77.67
22.33
(4)
600 m
90.00
30.00
47.67
52.33
(5)
300 m
120.00
40.00
7.67
92.33
(6)
150 m
20.00
7.67
0.67
99.33
(7)
Pan
2.00
0.67
-
-
∑ F
278.65
Fineness modulus of fine aggregate

562 | P a g e
Figure 3.2: Grading of Sand for Straw Bale.
3.1.3 Mix Proportion
An amount of 0.5 and 0.55 water/cement ratios were used in the mixes in order to provide a means of
understanding of how plaster strength can affect the strength of a plastered straw bale, and also provided an
insight on how the amount of water used in a mix can affect the strength of the plaster. The relative proportions
of cement, sand and water were measured in (Kg) for different mix proportion and shown in the Table (3.5)
below.
Table 3.5: Mix Proportion
Mix proportion
Cement content (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Water content
(kg)
1:3
360
1080
180
1:4
410
1575
205
1:6
327
1868
180
3.2 Water Absorption Test
As there were two distinct materials (straw bale & plaster) and perhaps they are vulnerable to water or moisture
decomposition. Therefore, the need of water absorption test becomes more imperative to ascertain the
percentage absorption rate of materials that bounded together as a straw bale block specimen. The measured
water absorption of each specimen was calculated and tabulated in the Table (3.6) below.
Table 3.6: Water Absorption Test.

563 | P a g e
Mix
Proportion
(1)
Plaster
Thickness
(mm)
(2)
Specimen
Mark
(3)
Weight of specimen
before curing
(kg). ( )
Weight of specimen
after curing
(kg). (M)
Wat. Absorpt.
(6)
1:3
10
A10
3.84
4.08
4.30
4.97
21.81
A12
4.31
5.64
15
B20
4.60
5.03
5.60
6.12
21.67
B22
5.45
6.64
20
C30
5.20
5.55
5.70
6.50
17.12
C32
5.89
7.30
1:4
10
A20
3.72
3.93
4.48
4.93
25.46
A22
4.13
5.38
15
B30
4.76
4.96
5.26
5.75
15.93
B32
5.16
6.24
20
C10
5.48
5.65
6.04
6.54
15.75
C12
5.82
7.04
1:6
10
A30
3.76
4.04
4.32
5.52
36.63
A32
4.32
6.72
15
B10
4.62
4.79
5.34
5.82
21.50
B12
4.96
6.30
20
C20
5.30
5.54
5.72
6.36
14.80
C22
5.78
7.00

564 | P a g e
Figure 3.3: Water Absorption Rate of Plastered Straw Bale.
 From the Figure 3.3 above, the following can be observed;-
It was observed that the mix with high cement content (mix 1:3) when compared with other mixes, exhibits
significant low water absorption due to cement substrate content.
It was observed that the smaller the thickness of plaster of the straw bale blocks, the more it absorbed water.
Example, the maximum water absorption was found in 10mm plaster thickness of the weaker mix (1:6).
 It was observed that there was higher absorption rate in mix (1:3) for plaster 15, and 20mm than those in the
mix (1:6) probably the fine aggregate might be affected by rain.
3.3 Compression Strength Test
The test was carried out on the eighteen plastered straw bale blocks for different mix proportion at 28-days
curing. Each of the blocks with varying plaster thickness was loaded to failure and tabulated in Table (3.7) and
their mode of failure points were noted for each of the block specimen.
From Figure 3.6shown before, the failure mode of the plastered bale tested was clearly failed as a result of the
splitting cracks of plaster which is known as global buckling, that is typical well built wall behavior when
eccentrically loaded.
Table 3.7: Compressive Strength of Plastered Straw Bale Blocks

565 | P a g e
Mix
Proportion
Plaster
Thickness
(mm)
Specimen
Mark
Load
Failure (N)
Aver.
Load
Failure
(N)
Compressive Stress
(N/ )
Aver.
Compressive
Stress (N/ )
1:3
10
A10
42.60
51.55
1.895
2.292
A12
60.50
2.689
15
B20
130.30
96.30
5.792
4.281
B22
62.30
2.769
20
C30
154.00
136.05
6.843
6.046
C32
118.10
5.248
1:4
10
A20
62.30
45.10
2.769
2.001
A22
27.90
1.241
15
B30
89.40
71.05
3.975
3.159
B32
52.70
2.342
20
C10
126.90
120.45
5.642
5.354
C12
114.00
5.066
1:6
10
A30
48.00
38.25
2.130
1.698
A32
28.50
1.265
15
B10
86.60
69.35
3.848
3.081
B12
52.10
2.314
20
C20
125.00
116.30
5.555
5.168
C22
107.60
4.781

566 | P a g e
Figure 3.4: Compressive Strength versus Mix Proportion.
From Figure 3.4 above, it was noted out that the higher the thickness of the plaster, the higher the average
compressive strength, and also, an increase in the plaster strength (mix 1:3) results in an increase of average
compressive strength with maximum value (6.046 N/mm2) obtained in 20mm plaster.
3.4 Discussion of the Test Results
The results of plastered straw bale blocks presented herein provide valuable perception into the structural
behavior of the plastered straw bale when compared with our conventional building materials (Sand Crete
blocks, bricks, masonry et cetera). A brief discussion was made in the following subsection.
3.4.1 Unit Dry Density of Plastered Straw Bale Blocks
The straw bales’ densities as it presented in the Figure3.1 showing that, no standard density can be adopted
because of the unused of baling machine but its variation in density, significantly predicted the effect of water
absorption as well as compressive strength, example the group of A30 and A32 samples was found to have the
least density as well as the compressive strength.
3.4.2 Water Absorption of Plastered Straw Bale Blocks
The water absorption behavior of the plastered straw bale can be seen from Figure3.3 that, the higher the cement
content in the proportion and plaster thickness, the slower the water movement than that with the higher sand
content in the proportion and least plaster thickness.
3.4.3 Compressive Strength of Plastered Straw Bale Blocks
It can be seen from Table3.7 that, the strength of the plastered straw bales was found to have a range of ultimate
strengths between 1.698 and 6.046 N/mm2, depending on the plaster strength, thickness, and water absorption
rate. The results clearly shown that plastered straw bale have a structural ability (strength) than that stipulated by
the British standard (BS 6073); the compressive strength of sandcrete of higher strength without cracking and
shrinking should be the average of 10 blocks which range between 1.8 - 2.5 N/mm2 (Adedeji, 2009).

567 | P a g e
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Conclusion
The results of experiments conducted on individual plastered straw bale has shown a satisfactory resistance
against vertical loading, as shown by the results obtained the maximum compressive strength found as 6.046
N/mm2 under category of 1:3 mix ratio with 20mm plaster thickness, while the minimum as 1.698 N/mm2 under
category of 1:6 ratio with 10mm plaster thickness which meets the requirement of standard compressive strength
of sandcrete block (1.8 - 2.5 N/mm2 ) stipulated by the British standard (BS 6073).
4.2 Recommendations
 It is recommended that, a plaster of 20mm to above thickness when applied to both side of the wall will
give maximum requirement of a standard compressive strength of wall.
 For structural ability, and other properties like sound and thermal insulation, straw bale as a walling
material is recommended.
 Awareness campaign should be made on the acceptability of straw bale techniques as a walling material.
V. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The tests were undertakenat the laboratory of the Civil Engineeringdepartment of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
University Bauchi, Nigeria. The author is thankful to the technical staffs at both workshop and departmental
Structural laboratory for their invaluable assistance.
The writer wish to acknowledge the guardians support right from Dr. A. Mohammed (Nigeria), Dr. Prashant
Mukherjee (Sharda University, India)for their input and suggestions.
REFERENCES
[1] Adedeji A.A, (2007), “Introduction and design of straw bale masonry”, Olad publishers Ent., Ilorin.
[2] Olayemi S.D, Adedeji A.A, (2011), “Effect of contact between straw bale wall composition and glass
cement plaster”, University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
[3] Emeka E, (2012, March 18), “Escalating cost of conventional construction materials in Nigeria”, Punch
newspaper, Retrieved from http:// www.punchng.com.
[4] Bruce King, (2003), “Load-bearing straw bale structures a summary of testing and experience to date”,
Ecological Building Network (EBNet), Retrieved from www.ecobuildnetwork.org/strawbale.
[5] Bruce King (2006), “Design of Straw Bale Buildings”, Green Building Press San Rafael, CA.
[6] Downtown P, (2003), “Australia straw bales”, Australia, Retrieved from www.ausbale.org.
[7] Vardy, S., MacDougall, C., (2006), “Compressive Testing and Analysis of Plastered Straw Bales”, Journal
of Green Building, 1(1), pp 63-79.
[8] California straw bale building code, 2001. HS18944, Australia, www.ausbale.org.
[9] Harvest Homes company, (2003), Canada, www.harvesthomes.ca.
[10] Carrick, J., and Glassford, J. (1998), "Preliminary Test Results Straw Bale Walls," The Building Officials
Guide to Straw-bale Construction: Version 2.1, California Straw Building Association, California.
AUTHOR

568 | P a g e
1. Hassan Abba Musa, M.Tech.(Structural Engg.– Sept. ’15 in view), Sharda University (India) & ATBU
(Nigeria), ahm2dcore@gmail.com, +2347038183898, +919717974458.
2. Dr. A. Mohammed, PhD. (Civil Engg.), ATBU University (Nigeria), abbaganam@gmail.com,
+2348035145747.