Refined compression field theory for plastered straw bale walls

• Experimental tests on plastered straw bale wall assemblies.
• Prediction of conventional compression field theories.
• Calibration of constitutive laws.
• Prediction of the refined compression field theory.

Results of tests of plastered straw bale wall assemblies under in-plane shear and axial load are used together with proposed refinements to compression field theories for reinforced concrete members to predict ultimate shear strengths of plastered straw bale walls. Two parameters of the so-called “refined compression-field theory” are calibrated for use with straw bale walls. Experimental results are compared to theoretical expectations determined according to existing compression field theories and the calibrated, refined compression-field theory. Shear strengths are estimated for a variety of plastered straw bale wall configurations that have been recommended for inclusion in building codes, based on the calibrated refined compression-field theory.