[Cob] Rebar

[Frank Hanlan]

Hi,

I distinctly recall that there was some testing done in British Columbia, 
maybe UBC, on a cob structure.  I think that it was mentioned on the coblist 
as much as 6 or 7 years ago.

I also found the following on a quick search.

New Zealand, fortunately, now has a comprehensive suite of earth building 
standards. This means that any building designed and built in accordance 
with them automatically meets many provisions of the NZ Building Code.
The Standards are:
NZS 4297:1998. Engineering Design of Earth Buildings (Specific Design)
NZS 4298:1998. Incl Amendment#1 2000 Materials and Workmanship for Earth 
Buildings
NZS 4299:1998. Incl Amendment#1 1999 Earth Buildings Not Requiring Specific 
Design.

They cover only those techniques that have been well investigated and used 
during the current 30 year long renaissance in earth building in NZ, namely 
mud brick, rammed earth, pressed earth brick, and to a limited degree, 
poured earth. Historic and rare methods are not covered although there is 
some information given on some new methods (in-situ adobe) or old methods 
(cob) currently under revival. There is also some information on earth 
floors, and plasters.

NZS 4297 “Engineering Design of Earth Buildings (Specific Design)” is for 
engineers and gives the data and formula required to successfully engineer 
earth walled buildings. It is a specialist document for use by structural 
engineers.

NZS 4299 “Earth Buildings Not Requiring Specific Design” is not a “cook 
 book” as such, but is essential for earth building designers. It allows the 
design of relatively simple earth buildings that fall within its limits 
without requiring specialist engineering. There are many building details 
given, and bracing values for various types of earth walls from unreinforced 
through to totally reinforced earth walls, bond beam sizes and fixings, 
foundations, window jamb, head and sill details etc.

Sincerely yours,

Frank