[Cob] FW: R-Value from NM code

[claysandstraw]

the current New Mexico Energy Conservation Code has a table which lists
whole wall R-values for insulated and un-insulated adobe walls. Cob is adobe
(note: in general adobe blocks in New Mexico have much less straw than the
mixture we call "cob"). Vales for uninsulated adobe walls are listed as:
10-inch wall = R4.1
14-inch wall = R5.2
(copies of the energy conservation code are available through the web at
http://www.rld.state.nm.us/cid/Forms/Forms/NM%20MEC.pdf, the table I refer
to in on page 20 of 44)

It is important also to distinguish between anecdotal evidence and test lab
evidence. I have heard at least one terribly dense academic presentation
describing that there is something about earthen walls which is
unquantifiable by our current "science."   My anecdotal evidence is that
often enegy modeling seems to not match or even conflict with the stories of
people who live in high mass buildings.

Kindra

********************original
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Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 19:25:29 -0700
From: Anna Young <avjyoung at shaw.ca>
Subject: [Cob] Cob R Value
To: coblist at deatech.com
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Hi Cobbers,

We have an home energy consultant reviewing our cob house plans. She wants
to know the R value of cob. I heard around 0.7/inch, but only anecdotally.
Does anyone know of any tests or work done to come up with an accurate range
for R? To contrast the consultant had heard the value was closer to R1 for a
24" wall.

Thanks,

Steve