Straw Bale Home Construction

Straw Bale Home Construction Straw bale home construction is a green building method that uses bales of straw as structural support, insulation, or both. Generally, this method of building has numerous advantages over conventional building systems because straw is a renewable source, low cost, easily available, and has a high insulation value. The two forms of straw bale construction are load-bearing (Nebraska style) which uses the bales of straw as structural support and non-load bearing (infill) which uses the bales of straw as insulation between traditional wood framed walls. Non-load bearing straw bale homes is easier to obtain permits and working with building code officials because officials view straw bales as an alternative insulation material, but since the structural elements are familiar, infill straw bale is less intimidating to contractors not already familiar with this type of construction. The construction process for a non-load bearing straw bale home is very similar to a convention home build, a nd it is typically less expensive to build. During the 21st century, society is aware of climate change, more intense storm systems (i.e. hurricane Katrina), and other environmental impacts that could potentially harm mankind. In an effort to combat such impacts, technology is now even more present in the construction industry, and society is beginning to turn towards sustainable resources and green building materials as an alternative to conventional construction. While buildings are our place of residency, employment, and playground that protect us from natures extremes, green building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition (Green Building, 2009). In the United States, buildings account for 39% of total energy use, 12% of total water consumption, 68% of total electricity consumption, and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions (Why Build Green, 2009). Construction has an impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy. By utilizing an alternative more sustainable resources into building construction, buildings will benefit society, the economy, and the environment from minimizing strain on local infrastructure, reducing operating costs while optimizing life-cycle performance, and preserving our natural resources from protecting ecosystems, reducing waste streams, and improving air and water quality (Why Build Green, 2009). Straw bale home construction is an example of a green building method. Straw is a renewable resource, relatively inexpensive, and when put into practical use, extremely energy efficient (Choosing Green Materials and Products, 2009). Straw bale construction uses bales of straw as structural elements, insulation, or both (Straw Bale Construction, 2009). Straw has been used in construction since the early 20th century in many types of buildings because it provides excellent tensile strength, great insulation value, and additional structural integrity. There are some 75+ year-old buildings still inhabited today (Jacoby, 2001). Straw bale home construction started in the Midwestern United States, especially in Nebraska because the grass in plentiful (Straw Bale Construction, 2009). This green building approach has been put into more practical use at the turn of the 21st century. The United States currently wastes 200 million tons of straw each year, and the United States Department of Agriculture indicates that American farmers annually harvest enough straw to build about 4 million, 2,000 square foot homes each year which is roughly 4 times the number of houses currently constructed (Jacoby, 2001). Generally, straw bale construction has numerous advantages over conventional building systems because straw is a renewable resource, eco-fr iendly, strong and durable, completely biodegradable, inexpensive, readily available, and has a high insulation value (Straw Bale Construction, 2009). Currently, there are two forms of straw bale home construction. The most common, load-bearing or Nebraska style, uses the bales of straw as structural support while non-load bearing or infill uses the bales of straw as insulation between traditional posts and beamed framed walls (Hart, 2009). Non-load bearing straw bale construction is more beneficial than conventional home construction because straw bales has a high sound absorption coefficient, high insulating qualities with an average R-values of 42 while an R-value of 19 is considered to be super insulated, and this method of construction can incorporate conventional building methods as well (Jacoby, 2001). However straw bale builders face many drawbacks. The design and construction of the straw bale home requires careful detailing to prevent liquid water infiltration, requires breathable finishes, generally plaster over the straw, requires educating the owner, the builder, permitting officials, and requires close interaction with building code officials in regions that do not currently have codes for straw bale home construction. Financing a straw bale home is rather difficult because banks are less likely to lend because it is an alternative method, unknown conditions exist, or there is a lack of building codes in p lace (Phyers, n.d.). In the recent years, this is rapidly changing, and building code officials are more likely to permit non-load bearing straw homes because the structural system is an independent element, because it utilizes conventional techniques, and it can be engineered according to load requirements and building codes (Jacoby, 2001). Most residential post and beam house framing in North America today is built using stud construction or timber framing, and it could incorporate exposed timber throughout the structure (Post And Beam House: Timber Framing versus Standard Stud Construction, 2008). Non-load bearing straw bale construction uses post and beam framing and/or stud construction as the structural support then uses straw bales to infill as an independent element. This method of construction does not rely on bales to carry any of the building loads other than the weight of the bales themselves (Jacoby, 2001). Figure 1 on the proceeding page is a detail of a non-load bearing house. The drawing depicts a slab-on-grade foundation, size of timber to be used, orientation of the straw bales, and number of straw bale layers needed to reach the height of the ceiling. Non-load bearing straw bale construction is easier obtaining permits and working with building code officials because officials view straw bales as an al ternative insulation material, and since the structural elements are familiar, infill straw bale is less intimidating to contractors not already familiar with this type of construction (Overview of Straw Bale Construction, 2000). The construction process for a non-load bearing straw bale home is relatively simple. This process is not much different than a conventional home build. In a non-load bearing straw bale home build, typically just the perimeter walls are infilled with straw bales, and all structural components must be constructed first. This includes the foundation (this could vary depending on the current building code as noted in the building code section in the proceeding pages), the  stud walls and floor joists are constructed, and finally the roof is installed. Interior walls can be constructed before or after the straw bales are infilled. Some building codes require non-load bearing straw bale structure to install the straw bales in the dry. Simply stated, the straw bales can only be placed once the roof is constructed and finished roofing is installed. Then, the straw bales can then be placed between the structural elements and around all openings including windows and doors. Depending on the ceiling height, there are typically about 7-8 straw bale layers needed to reach the ceiling height. Any remaining interior walls will then be constructed to allow for electrical and plumbing rough-in. Electrical can be installed two different ways, hidden or exposed. If the electrical is to be hidden, conduit is run between the straw bale layers per building code while if the electrical is to be exposed, the conduit is run above the ceiling, in the roof before being exposed down the side of the wall. A cement/lime plaster and stucco is to be applied to the interior and exterior respectively. All windows and doors are installed before the remaining finishes are applied (i.e. drywall, trim, paint). Finish plaster is applied to the interior and exterior before the remaining finish elements are completed. (Overview of Straw Bale Construction, 2000). Straw bales are an inexpensive building material. The material cost for straw bales walls are substantially lower than conventional stud walls. Generally, the cost of a straw bale wall is approximately 1/5 of the total home construction cost opposed to 1/2 of conventional home construction cost (Overview of Straw Bale Construction, 2000). However hired labor is very expensive (Jacoby, 2001). It is especially in the plastering process because it is a technical and time consuming process, but it is recommended to have community helpers or volunteers to assist with the plastering process to reduce labor costs (Overview of Straw Bale Construction, 2000). In comparison to the actual cost of a non-load bearing straw bale home to a conventional home, it depends on the how green the building will be. A straw bale home can be built for as little as $15 a square foot, to a typical range of $43-$73 a square foot, to upwards of $100 a square foot (Phyers, n.d.). In relation to the average home s ize of 2200 square feet, the cost of a straw bale home is $33,000, $94,600-$160,600, and $220,000 respectively. Non-load bearing straw bale homes is typically higher in cost because stud framing does still exist in the exterior to carry the load. Non-load bearing and load-bearing straw bale houses each have individual structural characteristics but while under testing conditions, have similar results. Researchers have been testing straw bales or straw bale structures in comparison to convention homes while under extreme wind conditions (i.e. hurricane), fire rating properties, and during an earthquake. All of these are acceptable tests depending on the region the home is to be built. Straw bales have a unique characteristic. Architects and Engineers have considered straw bales to be a seismic resistant building material (Morrison, 2009). Researching and testing has shown that while induced in gale force winds of up to 75mph, a straw bale structure will have no movement, but when tested in winds of up to 100mph, the structure only moves 1/16 (Morrison, 2009). Furthermore, straw bales are dried straw, 3 times as fire resist as current building material finishes used in conventional homes. Dried straw only contains 8% moisture a nd lack the oxygen needed to ignite a flame (Morrison, 2009). Straw bales act as a shock absorber rather than rigid and breaking. In non-load bearing straw bales structures, the straw rests against the stud construction to absorb the shock of the earthquake. Even more astonishing, a straw bale cabin was built and placed on an earthquake testing machine. The cabin was tested in conditions many people have not experienced. The machine induced an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale (Ecoville Architecs, 2009). Many regions of the United States do not have building codes that apply to green materials or straw bale structures. Many building officials lack the knowledge needed to approve a green building, in particular, straw bale housing. The approval rate in an area with insufficient or no green building codes is 50% among the code officials surveyed (DCAT, 2005). Nevertheless, the Midwest and West Coast contain the most straw bale building codes. Typically these codes are for both load-bearing and non-load bearing straw bale houses while some codes only focus on non-load bearing straw bale walls. The cities that currently have straw bale building codes are: Austin, Texas, multiple cities and counties in the state of California, Cortez, Colorado, parts of Nevada, Tucson, Arizona, parts of Nebraska, and the entire state of Oregon (Skillful Means, 2000). Tucson, Arizona is noted for requiring all straw bale houses to house doubled stem concrete block foundation walls filled with concrete rath er than a slab-on-grade foundation (Phyers, n.d.). Regions that do not currently have straw bale building code like parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania are likely to adopt a code similar to Cortez, Colorado due to the nature and climate of the region, and they will typically require the use of non-load bearing straw bale structures while referring to load-bearing straw bale walls as experimental. Load-bearing straw bale walls are subject to the interpretation of the Uniform Building (Cortez SB Codes, 1997). Non-load bearing straw bale home construction is relatively similar to conventional home construction. Straw bales give owners the opportunity to use a renewable resource, which is eco-friendly, strong and durable, completely biodegradable, inexpensive, readily available, and has a high insulation value on the perimeter of the building (Straw Bale Construction, 2009). This will help reduce energy costs substantially. The overall cost is very similar to a conventional home, but by utilizing an alternative more sustainable resource into home construction, houses will benefit society, the economy, and the environment from minimizing strain on local infrastructure, reducing operating costs while optimizing life-cycle performance, and preserving our natural resources from protecting ecosystems, reducing waste streams, and improving air and water quality (Why Build Green, 2009). Building codes are starting to accept alternative green building methods, and a strong recommendation for a new home builder is to elect to use a non-load bearing straw bale system. The owner will not be disappointed.

Essay --

During the Vietnam war the press and the media had complete atonement. For the first time the media had no censorship. The historical films that were made to be based off the Vietnam war were not accurate and were very distorted for entertainment value. I also think that the press media was very distorted as well. Many movies like The Green Berets and Medium Cool substituted violence for historical content. But not only were they filled with pointless violence they also had a lot of racist clichà ©s in them. Although the films were not giving the war a good name, It is possible that it was the media press that started the non support of the war. At first the media was very supportive of the war, but when the news did coverage of the Tet offensive it also sparked the anti war movement. Many major groups felt that the war was foreclosing the hope of making America a decent and truly democratic society. Martin Lutther King was also opposed to the war. He did not like that America would put funds into a war that we should not be in, in the first place, and that was also on foreign soil ...

Development in Malaysia Essay

As Malaysia had experienced an extraordinary economic growth in the last 3 decades is has brought high standards of living for the majority of the people. The people in Kuala Lumpur and major tourist destinations can now enjoy a quality of living which is very similar to developed countries. While Malaysia has done extremely well in some areas there are still challenges that the Government is lacking in delivering healthcare and education to all. In Sarawak and Sabah for example, ethnic minorities are situated in distant areas of Borneo’s rainforest where mountains and rivers are dividing villages from schools and modern services. It is tough for the families who live in these villages as not everyone is able to access the benefits of modernisation. The wealthiest 20% of Malaysians control 53. 8% of the wealth whereas the poorest 20% of the population controls only 4. 5 percent of wealth. Once the country started to modernise, Malaysians living in urban areas has increased from 27% in1970 to 62% in 2000. Forms of poverty started to appear; both urban and rural. After the time of the independence, Malays had migrated to the cities. Arguably, the monthly income is not enough to be able to support a family of four to meet their needs. Roughly quarter of the population could not afford to live in descent accommodations and had to live in squatter settlements as it is more affordable. A poverty reduction programme was introduced, where the poverty line had decreased from 7. 7 % in 1999 to 5. 1% in 2002. This shows a positive reduction. Elderly and disabled people got the opportunity to receive welfare support from the government. In Malaysia, the poverty rate shrank from slightly over half of the population in 1973 to 7. 8 percent in 1995. This means that if poverty reduction continues at the same rate, by 2003, there would be no one left below the poverty line of $2 international dollars a day. This is mainly because the government is trying to increase expenditure on major anti-poverty programs to protect real spending per individual, specially targeting the expenditure for small-scale loans and income generated activities for the poorest in rural areas as well as improvements in welfare programs. Apart of that, the government also spent safety nets for the newly poor through urban micro-credit programs and provision of special skills training for unskilled workers. This progress in poverty reduction measured in income terms is mirrored by improvements in social indicators. Malaysia’s achievements in increasing life expectancy (2003: 70. 6 years for male and 75. 5 years for female) are particularly impressive. Conclusion / Recommendations Monitoring of the gender and development – Since 1988 Malaysia has been experiencing an economic boom. The high growth of the economy was achieved with almost full employment. This strong performance in growth has resulted in basic structural changes in the economy. Ever since the experience of the economic boom, there have been changes in the roles of employment. From the above data, it is evident that there are significant increases in the participation of women in the manufacturing sector and the work force as a whole. Analysis of the of the many positive changes in the improvement of women’s health has lead to a greater amount of children with more access to education across all levels. Now that shortage of labour has increased. It gives a stronger possibility for women who are unpaid to move to paid labour. With the greater amount of job opportunities and demands for both skilled men and women in the manufacturing sector. Moreover with a wider range of availability this strengthens the workforce which helps build a stronger economy providing more employment and attracting foreign investments. As works with the Government and United Nations have been put into place for introducing new projects and programmes that look at decreasing gender inequality. This positive strategy will raise awareness of the situation and allow advancement of women to take place in the future and result in better educated women reflecting into a more economically productive community. One of the most essential factors for the empowerment of women has been education. As today, there are more females than males in the institutions of higher learning education. However, further studies should be put in place to identify problems and solution, for maintaining this industrial growth. They should implement the role of sharing experiences, with one another through bottom-up development and having expertise to keep strengthening the environment and success of the many efforts that have contributed into helping Malaysia The Government should be concerned with financial support. The greater focus on financial support would allow them to invest in equipment, technology and/or research and development. I suppose it is also important to have enough resources provided for the equality of gender and eventually, continuing to regularly update the progress of the gender financing situation which could have a positive effect for Malaysia in the long run. If the government continues to enhance efforts, to further improve the status of women, then this might enable them to reach their full potential as they are likely to have more belief in themselves resulting in more opportunities of them being included in the process of policies and/or programmes. Bibliography http://www. state. gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100527. htm http://www. unicef. org/malaysia/support_6017. htmlhttp://www. unicef. org/malaysia/support_6017. html http://www. unicef. org/malaysia/support_mdgs_malaysia. html http://genderindex. org/country/malaysia http://www. unescap. org/huset/women/reports/malaysia. pdf http://thestar. com. my/news/story. asp? file=/2008/8/2/business/21954384&sec=business – http://www. kuala-lumpur. ws/culture-traditions/ http://www. wao. org. my/news/20010301statusreport. htm#Government.

Free Essays on Blues In St Louis

Albert King, Where Y’at? Film: There’ll Always Be Stars In the Sky In today’s world, many people speak from their own experiences, coming from different backgrounds and caught between conflicting cultures. Countries seen as world powers, strong, confident and proud of their culture, now feel insecure- while other smallere countries are becoming more confident about their roots, identity and culture. St. louis went through tough times of cultural and political conflicts, but now those cultures have come together especially in music. Black music was at the fore-front of the St-Louis music scene, mainly blues and jazz. It was so influential in the communities, that it caught the interest of young white male, Billy peek and and Albert King. They grew found of that kind of music and are music legends of St.louis today. Music is a tool that can be used in various ways. It can be used as an educational informative medium, or strictly for entertainment. But whichever way it is used, it has touched many lives all over the world. It is the world’s universal language. If the blacks from the Caribbean, and Africa had not migrated to St.louis, the blues and Jazz would have never had bearing in that part of the United States. I believe and agree with the fact that, anytime people move to a new place, they bring along part of their culture. That is why most big cities in the world are largely diverse.... Free Essays on Blues In St Louis Free Essays on Blues In St Louis Albert King, Where Y’at? Film: There’ll Always Be Stars In the Sky In today’s world, many people speak from their own experiences, coming from different backgrounds and caught between conflicting cultures. Countries seen as world powers, strong, confident and proud of their culture, now feel insecure- while other smallere countries are becoming more confident about their roots, identity and culture. St. louis went through tough times of cultural and political conflicts, but now those cultures have come together especially in music. Black music was at the fore-front of the St-Louis music scene, mainly blues and jazz. It was so influential in the communities, that it caught the interest of young white male, Billy peek and and Albert King. They grew found of that kind of music and are music legends of St.louis today. Music is a tool that can be used in various ways. It can be used as an educational informative medium, or strictly for entertainment. But whichever way it is used, it has touched many lives all over the world. It is the world’s universal language. If the blacks from the Caribbean, and Africa had not migrated to St.louis, the blues and Jazz would have never had bearing in that part of the United States. I believe and agree with the fact that, anytime people move to a new place, they bring along part of their culture. That is why most big cities in the world are largely diverse....

Neurotransmitters Definition and List

Neurotransmitters Definition and List Neurotransmitters are chemicals that cross synapses to transmit impulses from a neuron to another neuron, glandular cell, or muscle cell. In other words, neurotransmitters are used to send signals from one part of the body to another. Over 100 neurotransmitters are known. Many are simply constructed from amino acids. Others are more complex molecules. Neurotransmitters perform many vital functions in the body. For example, they regulate heartbeat, tell the lungs when to breathe, determine the set point for weight, stimulate thirst, affect mood, and control digestion. The synaptic cleft was discovered by Spanish pathologist  Santiago Ramà ³n y Cajal in the early 20th century. In 1921, German pharmacologist Otto Loewi verified that communication between neurons was the result of released chemicals. Loewi discovered the first known neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. How Neurotransmitters Work The axon terminal of a synapse stores neurotransmitters in vesicles. When stimulated by an action potential, synaptic vesicles of a synapse release neurotransmitters, which cross the small distance (synaptic cleft) between an axon terminal and a dendrite via diffusion. When the neurotransmitter binds a receptor at the dendrite, the signal is communicated. The neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic cleft for a short time. Then it is either returned to the presynaptic neuron through the process of reuptake, metabolized by enzymes, or bound to the receptor. When a neurotransmitter binds to a postsynaptic neuron, it can either excite it or inhibit it. Neurons are often connected to other neurons, so at any given time a neuron  may be subject to multiple neurotransmitters. If the stimulus for excitation is greater than the inhibitory effect, the neuron will fire and create an action potential that releases neurotransmitters to another neuron. Thus, a signal is conducted from one cell to the next. Types of Neurotransmitters One method of classifying neurotransmitters is based on their chemical composition. Categories include: Amino acids: ÃŽ ³-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartate, glutamate, glycine, D-serineGases: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO)Monoamines: dopamine, epinephrine, histamine, norepinephrine, serotoninPeptides:  ÃŽ ²-endorphin, amphetamines, somatostatin, enkephalinPurines: adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)Trace amines: octopamine, phenethylamine, trypramineOther molecules: acetylcholine, anandamideSingle ions: zinc The other major method of categorizing neurotransmitters is according to whether they are excitatory or inhibitory. However, whether a neurotransmitter is excitatory or inhibitory depends on its receptor. For example, acetylcholine is inhibitory to the heart (slows heart rate), yet excitatory to skeletal muscle (causes it to contract). Important Neurotransmitters Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in humans, used by about half of the neurons in the human brain. It is the primary excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system. One of its functions is to help form memories. Interestingly, glutamate is toxic to neurons. Brain damage or a stroke can lead to an excess of glutamate, killing neurons.GABA is the primary inhibitory transmitter in the vertebrate brain. It helps to control anxiety. GABA deficiency may result in seizures.Glycine is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate spinal cord.Acetylcholine stimulates muscles, functions in the autonomic nervous system and sensory neurons, and is associated with REM sleep. Many poisons act by blocking acetylcholine receptors. Examples include botulin, curare, and hemlock. Alzheimers disease is associated with a significant drop in acetylcholine levels.Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) increases heart rate and blood pressure. It is part of the bodys fight or flight syst em. Norepinephrine is also needed to form memories. Stress depletes stores of this neurotransmitter. Dopamine is an inhibitory transmitter associated with the reward center of the brain. Low dopamine levels are associated with social anxiety and Parkinsons disease, while excess dopamine is related to schizophrenia.Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion, and perception. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, anger management issues, difficulty sleeping, migraines, and an increased craving for carbohydrates. The body can synthesize serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in foods such as warm milk and turkey.Endorphins are a class of molecules similar to opioids (e.g., morphine, heroin) in terms of structure and function. The word endorphin is short for endogenous morphine. Endorphins are inhibitory transmitters associated with pleasure and pain relief. In other animals, these chemicals slow metabolism and permit hibernation.

Reading Response and Thinking about Research Questions Essay - 1

Reading Response and Thinking about Research Questions - Essay Example Nevertheless, the publishing industry has been reshaped over a century through the creation of websites such as Amazon. The book talks about the shift from analogue to digital where now publishers digitally send contents to distributors and retailers who then reaches the potential consumers. Consumers download the digital contents into their personal computers, tablets, smartphones, iPhones and other reading devices. The book clearly shows the disadvantages of traditional mode of publishing and marketing of books. The book contains several essays that help the reader to get a concrete conclusion on the effects of digital changes in publishing and music industries. The essays explain the effects on workflow, designing, and metadata. The tools of the digital workflow and designing of books in the digital age are clearly stated in the book. The essay clearly shows the work made by every player in books publishing industry. That is, the worker of publishers, websites, retailers as well as consumers. The book analysis the use of books as a result of the shift other than digital copies of paper objects. (McGuire and OLeary) 2. For each of the two specific essays you read from the book, please do the following. Give the title/author of the essay. Summarize the reading (use about 3 sentences for each summary), and describe its significance in regard to our course theme. Why are these specific essays of interest to you? â€Å"The Forgotten Consumer† by Jacob Lewis is one of the interesting essay that clearly explain the inefficient market. Digital changes have improved the book industry whereby publishers use the internet to find potential customers for their products. The essay also shows how digital changes have led to growth of talents of many writers and readers. Huge amounts of books, articles, and eBooks are produced every day and this clearly shows development in the publishing industry. The other essay is â€Å"What We Can Do with

How to Make Almost Anything Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How to Make Almost Anything - Essay Example ‘Digital fabrication will allow individuals to design and produce tangible objects on demand, wherever and whenever they need them.’ (Gershenfeld, 2012) In the past manufacturing and construction were run on manually procedures, which were then substituted with machines and other tool. However, when these machines were replaced by the digital technology the numerically controlled tools transformed the way of doing business. The additive manufacturing is another enhancement of the digital fabrication that turns data into things and things into data. It has made it possible to make two elements e.g. bearing and axle at the same time that was not possible through the traditional manufacturing processes and tools. The 3D printer is one of the examples of this technique used by many companies to create complex products and designs. The digital fabrication came in stages with the first generation being made available to the researchers with reasonable pricing. The second and more advanced generation of digital fabrication products are now in the market that are more expensive with freely shared plans and modifications. In order to demonstrate the usability of the digital fabrication products ‘fab labs (fabrication labs or fabulous lab)’ were created with different digital fabrication tools at a net worth of $50,000. These tools included the 3-D printers, computer-controlled lasers, milling components, components of moulding and casting arts etc. These labs showcased the usability of digital fabrication to the world. Also these fab labs provided to be parts of the continuing revolution for e.g. the fabrication lab in Manchester is taking an active part in the new industrial revolution. Digital fabrication is all about having the computer-controlled tools to custom design your product in a faster and more efficient manner. The article gives many examples that show that digital fabrication is a