[Cob] Thermal Mass and R-value

[David Thurman]

I want to add my 2 cents into this discussion. The current  base model for
insulation in codes is based on the BTU drop from interior to exterior
through a thermal envelop with no occupant. It's a math model and it has no
basis in reality except in math. It really has nothing to do with reality
except for how nature fits math in a singe, particular way. Even if the
occupant is "Factored in," those requirements are simply numbers pulled out
of thin air to justify the model itself.

We tend to think of Math as "Magical" in this society very akin to
the Pythagorean cult of ancient Greece. Thermal mass is a much much
more efficient model but that is based on how it "Feels" rather than on
math. So a study of energy usage side by side of thermal mass structures
versus standard wood construction over time needs to be done. The occupant
usage determines the viability  of the two types of construction, not the
materials. Do people who have thermal mass home's with efficient heating
system actually use less BTU's  than those who live in standard constructed
homes? The inverse is  of course cooling needs as well need to be
considered.

My guess is that thermal mass homes in cob are more efficient and  a lot
less energy is used over time because how it "feels" to the occupant. They
adapt their life style over time to accommodate the radiant quality and thus
end up naturally using less energy.
Cheers,
David Thurman


On Thu, Jul 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM, Damon Howell
<dhowell at pickensprogress.com>wrote:

> Read about thermal mass and what everyone keeps calling "effective R-value"
> here. Very interesting.
> Damon
>
> http://www.buildinggreen.com/**auth/article.cfm/1998/4/1/**
> Thermal-Mass-and-R-value-**Making-Sense-of-a-Confusing-**Issue/<http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/1998/4/1/Thermal-Mass-and-R-value-Making-Sense-of-a-Confusing-Issue/>
>
>
>
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