Straw bales have been incorporated into buildings for centuries, but only recently have they been explored in academic settings for their structural potential. Straw bale building is encountering a growing audience due to its social and economic benefits. Plastered and reinforced straw bale wall assemblies have been found comparable to wood frame construction in resisting vertical and lateral loads. A number of straw bale residences have been constructed in the highly seismic state of California, while recent efforts have expanded its presence to quake-prone areas in developing countries like Pakistan and China. As this is a burgeoning arena of research, only empirical tests have been conducted. This thesis introduces a computer simulation of a wall assembly under lateral loading, using two techniques: a multi-layer shell element and an equivalent compression strut frame in SAP2000. The models assume homogeneity, and based on the results, areas for improvement and further research are suggested.
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