Thanks for the files on testing results.I am often asked about the load bearing properties of papercrete and appreciate having some facts to support my claims that is indeed load bearing. How do I view Judith's Projects? Must I download something from the site that comes up when I click the link?
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To: papercreters@yahoogroups.com
From: Spaceman@starship-enterprises.net
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2010 20:12:38 -0700
Subject: Re: [papercreters] Newbie building code question.
Since the code does not include papercrete, the legal result is that it is not legal to build with it in areas that have adopted the code. Often talking to an open minded inspector can get a variance that will let you use it, but barring that you will be building without a permit with the possibility that your project can be red tagged and condemned.
Who said pc isn't load bearing? With compression strength of several hundred psi a 12" thick wall will support tons per running foot, assuming that the wall is made properly, and with a good foundation. Check out Judith's projects. Her 12" thick walls support logs for vigas (beams) and a thick papercrete roof, and no doubt would support a lot more.
The pc would nicely replace siding/insulation/drywall but not without interference from the code enforcing authorities. Most inspectors/building departments do not allow anything that isn't code approved because that puts any liability on them, and they don't want that. They do it by the book for the most part so they can't be sued. At least that is the situation most places in the US, I don't know anything about Canada except it gets really cold and there are lots of trees : )
An 18" thick wall would give you in the range of R50. But the authorities probably won't recognize that without certified lab tests. There are some test results at
http://www.starship-enterprises.net/files/pc%20tests%20astm.jpg
http://www.starship-enterprises.net/files/papercrete%20strength%20tests.jpg
that you might use when you are talking to inspectors. Whether or not they recognize them is iffy at best. ASTM is a standard test organization here but that still doesn't get pc into the code. Several years ago a committee of members of this group started working on having pc written into the building code, but that effort fell apart after a while.
There are various opinions about whether it is better to talk to the authorities first or just build and hope. Some say it is easier to get forgiveness than permission, but you can't count on that.
On 12/4/2010 7:27 PM, amherstburg46 wrote:
Who said pc isn't load bearing? With compression strength of several hundred psi a 12" thick wall will support tons per running foot, assuming that the wall is made properly, and with a good foundation. Check out Judith's projects. Her 12" thick walls support logs for vigas (beams) and a thick papercrete roof, and no doubt would support a lot more.
The pc would nicely replace siding/insulation/drywall but not without interference from the code enforcing authorities. Most inspectors/building departments do not allow anything that isn't code approved because that puts any liability on them, and they don't want that. They do it by the book for the most part so they can't be sued. At least that is the situation most places in the US, I don't know anything about Canada except it gets really cold and there are lots of trees : )
An 18" thick wall would give you in the range of R50. But the authorities probably won't recognize that without certified lab tests. There are some test results at
http://www.starship-enterprises.net/files/pc%20tests%20astm.jpg
http://www.starship-enterprises.net/files/papercrete%20strength%20tests.jpg
that you might use when you are talking to inspectors. Whether or not they recognize them is iffy at best. ASTM is a standard test organization here but that still doesn't get pc into the code. Several years ago a committee of members of this group started working on having pc written into the building code, but that effort fell apart after a while.
There are various opinions about whether it is better to talk to the authorities first or just build and hope. Some say it is easier to get forgiveness than permission, but you can't count on that.
spaceman
All opinions expressed or implied
are subject to change without notice
upon receipt of new information.
http://Starship-Enterprises.Net
On 12/4/2010 7:27 PM, amherstburg46 wrote:
I understand that its very tough to get a papercrete building approved in many locations because of the lack of recognition in building codes.
However, I am not sure what the lack of building code support prevents you from doing. I understand that using it to support a load is out of the question, but I am not sure to what extent it could be used in non load bearing situations.
Assuming you go with a traditional style of house construction, could a solid papercrete wall replace the siding, insulation and drywall without interference from the building code ?
Could it replace some and not others. Certainly a 18 inch wall would meet the insulation requirements of the area I live (Ontario), but would its R value be considered because the the lack of standards and testing ?
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