Question 1

Cordwood construction yields an R-value of _____, depending on the species of wood, cavity insulation, and proficiency of the builder.​
A) ​roughly 1.0/inch to 1.5/inch​
B) ​less than 0.5/inch​
C) ​between 2.0/inch and 2.5/inch​
D) ​more than 2.0/inch​

Accepted Answer

Cordwood construction typically yields an R-value of roughly 1.0/inch to 1.5/inch, depending on factors such as the species of wood used, how well the cavities within the walls are insulated, and the skill level of the builder.

Question 2

Using natural or recycled materials, alternative construction allows builders to create comfortable spaces with greatly reduced impact on the environment.

Accepted Answer

Alternative construction techniques prioritize the use of natural or recycled materials, which have a lower impact on the environment than more traditional construction methods. This can include straw bale construction, earthbag construction, and timber frame buildings made with sustainably harvested wood. These methods can result in comfortable living spaces that are as durable and safe as conventionally built structures.

Question 3

Earthship construction was seen as a means of reducing some of society's enormous disposal problems.

Accepted Answer

Earthship construction utilizes reclaimed materials in its building process and also incorporates principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency, making it a solution to reducing waste and consumption in society.

Question 4

One disadvantage of alternative construction is that it requires high embodied energy.

Accepted Answer

Alternative construction methods often focus on reducing embodied energy by using locally sourced, natural, and recycled materials, which typically have lower embodied energy compared to conventional building materials.

Question 5

Earthbag construction for human shelters was outlawed in the united states in the 1970s.

Accepted Answer

Earthbag construction was not outlawed in the United States in the 1970s. However, certain jurisdictions may have building codes and regulations that restrict or prohibit the use of earthbag construction as a method of building.

Question 6

First popularized in New Mexico as _____ by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, these structures grew out of a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature and making use of locally available by-products of society.​​
A) ​adobe homes​​
B) ​cob structures
C) ​Earthships​
D) ​earthbag homes​

Accepted Answer

The sentence specifically mentions Michael Reynolds and the philosophy of living harmoniously with nature, both of which are closely associated with the design concept of Earthships. Adobe homes and cob structures are also examples of natural building materials, but they are not directly linked to Reynolds or the Earthship movement. Earthbag homes may incorporate some of the same principles, but they are not mentioned in the sentence.

Question 7

Cordwood construction makes use of short logs stacked like a row of firewood.

Accepted Answer

Cordwood construction is a building technique that uses short logs, typically between 12-24 inches long, stacked like a row of firewood with a mortar or insulation material used to fill the gaps between the logs.

Question 8

Straw-bale construction typically has insulating properties with an R-value of _____ .​
A) ​less than 1.0/inch​
B) ​1.0/inch to 1.5/inch​
C) ​1.5/inch to 2.0/inch​
D) ​2.4/inch or more​

Accepted Answer

According to various sources, including the US Department of Energy and the California Straw Building Association, straw-bale construction typically has an R-value of 2.4/inch or more. This is significantly higher than most traditional building materials, such as wood or concrete, and can contribute to energy efficiency and cost savings in the long run.

Question 9

Although earthen materials typically lack the same level of insulation as modern products, thick walls and large thermal mass allow earthen structures to be comfortable in many climates.

Accepted Answer

Although earthen materials may not have the same insulation properties as modern materials, thick walls and thermal mass can still makeearthen structures comfortable in various climates.

Question 10

When earthbag construction serves as its own foundation, which of the following fillers would most likely be used?​​​
A) ​sod​
B) ​clay​
C) ​straw and mud​
D) ​gravel​

Accepted Answer

Gravel is commonly used as a filler in earthbag construction when it serves as its own foundation due to its excellent drainage properties and ability to compact and stabilize, providing a solid base for the structure.

Question 11

How is cob different from adobe?​​
A) ​​Cob consists of stacked bricks.​
B) ​Adobe construction creates a single, seamless entity by working layers together.​
C) ​Adobe has a larger proportion of straw.​
D) ​Cob and adobe different names for the same building material.​

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is cob different from adobe?​​
A) ​​Cob...

Question 12

The logs in cordwood constructions are _____ in length.​​
A) ​usually 12 to 24 inches​
B) ​no less than 36 inches​
C) ​at least 24 inches​
D) ​typically 24 to 36 inches​

Accepted Answer

Cordwood construction typically uses logs that are 12 to 24 inches in length, allowing for the creation of walls with that thickness.

Question 13

With straw bales varying in thickness from 18 to 24 inches, the insulation value for a straw bale wall becomes _____ .​
A) ​R-36 to R-48​
B) ​R-30​
C) ​R-24​
D) ​R-12 to R-24​

Accepted Answer

The R-value of straw bale walls varies based on the thickness of the bales, with thicker bales providing higher insulation values. With bale thickness ranging from 18 to 24 inches, the insulation value becomes R-36 to R-48.

Question 14

The durability of alternative construction is well established.

Accepted Answer

Alternative construction techniques such as straw bale, rammed earth, and adobe have been utilized for centuries and have proven to be durable and long-lasting structures. Research and testing have further reinforced their durability and ability to withstand natural disasters.

Question 15

Earthbag construction is _____ .​​
A) ​appealing to termites​
B) ​fireproof​
C) ​destroyed easily during earthquakes​
D) ​not stabilized and shifts with time​

Accepted Answer

Earthbag construction is fireproof as it involves using bags filled with soil, which is a non-combustible material.

Question 16

Cob is another name for adobe.

Accepted Answer

Cob and adobe are both traditional building materials made from natural materials, but they are distinct. Cob is made from a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water and is sculpted while wet. Adobe, on the other hand, is made from a similar mixture but is formed into bricks that are dried in the sun before construction.

Question 17

Adobe offers excellent thermal mass but provides very little insulation.

Accepted Answer

Adobe is known for its ability to absorb heat during the day and release it at night, which is referred to as thermal mass, but it does not have significant insulating properties. Therefore, it is not very effective in keeping buildings warm in cold weather or cool in hot weather.

Question 18

Using bales of straw to construct buildings began in the _____ .​
A) ​20th century as a means of creating long-lasting green construction​
B) ​late 1800s on the prairies of Nebraska as an alternative to sod houses​
C) ​18th century by Native Americans being pushed west​
D) ​early 1700s in the North American colonies when settlers could not find other sources of building materials​

Accepted Answer

Using bales of straw to construct buildings began in the late 1800s on the prairies of Nebraska as an alternative to sod houses.

Question 19

Straw-bale construction has proven itself durable.

Accepted Answer

Straw-bale construction has proven to be durable, with many structures lasting for over 100 years. This is due in part to the massiveness of the walls which helps to regulate temperature and humidity, and also because straw has natural resistance to fire, pests, and decay.

Question 20

Mud and other natural materials have shaped human shelters _____ .​
A) ​for less than a millennia​​
B) ​since the industrial revolution​
C) ​since the inception of the "green movement"​
D) ​for more than 10,000 years​

Accepted Answer

Mud and other natural materials have been used for more than 10,000 years to shape human shelters, as evidenced by archaeological findings.

Quiz 4: Alternative Construction

Cordwood construction yields an R-value of _____, depending on the species of wood, cavity insulation, and proficiency of the builder.​

Using natural or recycled materials, alternative construction allows builders to create comfortable spaces with greatly reduced impact on the environment.

Earthship construction was seen as a means of reducing some of society's enormous disposal problems.

One disadvantage of alternative construction is that it requires high embodied energy.

Earthbag construction for human shelters was outlawed in the united states in the 1970s.

First popularized in New Mexico as _____ by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, these structures grew out of a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature and making use of locally available by-products of society.​​

Cordwood construction makes use of short logs stacked like a row of firewood.

Straw-bale construction typically has insulating properties with an R-value of _____ .​

Although earthen materials typically lack the same level of insulation as modern products, thick walls and large thermal mass allow earthen structures to be comfortable in many climates.

When earthbag construction serves as its own foundation, which of the following fillers would most likely be used?​​​

How is cob different from adobe?​​

The logs in cordwood constructions are _____ in length.​​

With straw bales varying in thickness from 18 to 24 inches, the insulation value for a straw bale wall becomes _____ .​

The durability of alternative construction is well established.

Earthbag construction is _____ .​​

Cob is another name for adobe.

Adobe offers excellent thermal mass but provides very little insulation.

Using bales of straw to construct buildings began in the _____ .​

Straw-bale construction has proven itself durable.

Mud and other natural materials have shaped human shelters _____ .​

Cordwood construction yields an R-value of _____, depending on the species of wood, cavity insulation, and proficiency of the builder.

First popularized in New Mexico as _____ by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s, these structures grew out of a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature and making use of locally available by-products of society.

Straw-bale construction typically has insulating properties with an R-value of _____ .

When earthbag construction serves as its own foundation, which of the following fillers would most likely be used?

How is cob different from adobe?

The logs in cordwood constructions are _____ in length.

With straw bales varying in thickness from 18 to 24 inches, the insulation value for a straw bale wall becomes _____ .

Earthbag construction is _____ .

Using bales of straw to construct buildings began in the _____ .

Mud and other natural materials have shaped human shelters _____ .