Cob cob codes

[John Hall]

Otherfish at aol.com wrote:
> 
> to John Hall
> john
> please let me & the coblist know what you find out
> -it will be helpful to see how the folks in Devon deal with the codes issue
> -altho our seismic conditions in California will probably rerquire additional
> structural measures
> -more knowledge is better than less
> 
> thanks for the response
> cob on
> john fordice
> THE COB CODE PROJECT
> otherfish at aol.com

OK will make enquiries and send you further details/ links.

On the subject of seismic precautions, I believe this could be 
effectively achieved by applying strategically placed, continuous layers 
of reinforcement in the cob (eg as a continuous mat immediately above 
lintel levels etc.).  The purists might wrangle, but "geogrids" such as 
are used for reinforcing fill and road bases etc. could be very 
effectively used. This would have the effect of reducing cracking due to 
shrinkage effects etc as an added benefit (ie the structure would tend 
to shrink as a single unit towards its centre, rather than individual 
walls pulling away from one another).

Best Regards,

John.