Exam 4: Alternative Construction

Cordwood construction makes use of short logs stacked like a row of firewood.

Cordwood construction yields an R-value of _____, depending on the species of wood, cavity insulation, and proficiency of the builder.​

With straw bales varying in thickness from 18 to 24 inches, the insulation value for a straw bale wall becomes _____ .​

First popularized in New Mexico as _____ by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, these structures grew out of a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature and making use of locally available by-products of society.​​

One disadvantage of alternative construction is that it requires high embodied energy.

Cob is another name for adobe.

Earthbag construction is _____ .​​

Straw-bale construction typically has insulating properties with an R-value of _____ .​

The logs in cordwood constructions are _____ in length.​​

Adobe offers excellent thermal mass but provides very little insulation.

How is cob different from adobe?​​

The durability of alternative construction is well established.

Earthbag construction for human shelters was outlawed in the united states in the 1970s.

When earthbag construction serves as its own foundation, which of the following fillers would most likely be used?​​​

Mud and other natural materials have shaped human shelters _____ .​

Earthship construction was seen as a means of reducing some of society's enormous disposal problems.

Straw-bale construction has proven itself durable.

Using natural or recycled materials, alternative construction allows builders to create comfortable spaces with greatly reduced impact on the environment.

Although earthen materials typically lack the same level of insulation as modern products, thick walls and large thermal mass allow earthen structures to be comfortable in many climates.

Using bales of straw to construct buildings began in the _____ .​